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Paint Recycling in Boston, MA

Oil-based paint goes to a Boston Zero Waste Day (20-gallon limit); latex paint can be dried out and thrown in the trash.

See all 2 options

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

2 ways to get rid of a paint in Boston

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · BostonNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $70.00
    How it works

    Book online, set out your paint and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.

    Book a pickup →

  2. Boston Zero Waste Days (household hazardous waste and waste-ban drop-off)City service · BostonBoston residentsConditions applyCost not listed
    How it works

    Boston Public Works holds recurring drop-off days each year for household hazardous materials and waste-ban items, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Accepted: electronics (computers, monitors, TVs, microwaves, printers, phones), oil-based paint, chemicals, lithium and nickel-cadmium batteries, car batteries, car and bike tires (8 per person), mercury items, propane tanks, paper shredding and textiles. Boston residents only, with proof of residency; 20-gallon limit on paint and chemicals. Latex paint and alkaline batteries go in the trash. The rescheduled 2026 event is Saturday, November 21 at 315 Gardner Street, West Roxbury. Schedule: boston.gov/departments/public-works/zero-waste-day.

    Cost & rules
    • Oil-based paint only; latex paint is dried out and trashed.
    • Boston residents only, with proof of residency; check the event schedule.

    Official page (opens in new tab)

Places that don’t take paint (1)

Before you go

  1. Note whether it’s latex (water-based) or oil-based; programs often treat them differently.
  2. Keep paint in its original, labelled, closed container.
  3. Ask about quantity limits per visit.
More about paint

Massachusetts rules

More Massachusetts rules (23)
Where this information comes from (31)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • City of Boston Public Works: Zero Waste Days (opens in new tab) · City of Boston Public Works Department
    • Zero Waste events are for Boston residents only, with a photo ID, utility bill or lease as proof; business waste is not accepted. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • There is a 20-gallon limit on paint, motor oil, gasoline and all chemicals, in containers of 5 gallons or less. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Oil-based paint is accepted at Zero Waste Days. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Latex and acrylic (water-based) paint can be dried out and put in Boston's regular trash; only oil-based paint must go to drop-off events. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Boston Building Resources: Donate Building Materials (opens in new tab) · Boston Building Resources
    • Boston Building Resources is a nonprofit reuse center at 100 Terrace Street, Boston, MA 02120. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Boston Building Resources does not accept upholstered furniture, paint (used or new) or liquids and chemicals. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • MassDEP introduced its first bans on landfilling and combustion of easy-to-recycle and toxic materials in 1990 and has phased in more since. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Materials banned from disposal or transfer for disposal in Massachusetts include cathode ray tubes, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, lead acid batteries, mattresses, recyclable paper and cardboard, textiles, white goods and whole tires (landfills only). Checked October 26, 2026.
    • The MassDEP waste disposal bans are in section 19.017 of the Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations, 310 CMR 19.000. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • 310 CMR 19.017(3): no person may dispose, transfer for disposal, or contract for disposal or transport of a restricted material except as the regulation allows, and violators may face MassDEP enforcement. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • No landfill, transfer facility or combustion facility may accept a restricted material except to handle, recycle or compost it under a MassDEP-approved plan. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • For residents, most banned materials are collected through regular municipal collection or drop-off programs, while larger items such as CRTs or appliances may go through separate collections or drop-off events. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • MassDEP notes that vehicle batteries, tires and cathode ray tubes may in some cases be collected by retailers. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Residents with private (non-municipal) trash collection should ask their service provider for recycling options. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • MassDEP generally does not issue waste-ban enforcement to individuals; it typically targets businesses, institutions (including municipalities) and haulers. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Pillows, cushions and rugs are not "textiles" under the ban and may go in the trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Mass.gov: How & Where to Recycle (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • For local recycling and household hazardous product collection days and hours, MassDEP tells residents to contact their community's recycling or solid waste coordinator or department. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Household hazardous products (old chemicals, cleaners, paint, pesticides) don't belong in the recycling bin, the trash or the drain. Store them until a community HHW collection or take them to a local, regional or commercial facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • MassDEP's Beyond the Bin directory lists outlets for items that can't go in the home recycling bin. MassDEP does not collect materials itself, listings are self-reported, and you should call ahead. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Oil-based paint, stains and varnishes go to household hazardous waste collections. Check your municipality's website for events. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • MassDEP: Clothing and Textile Recovery (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • Since November 2022, textiles (clothing, footwear, bedding, curtains, fabric) are banned from disposal in Massachusetts, even worn, torn or stained items. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • PaintCare: Paint recycling and drop-off locations (states list) (opens in new tab) · PaintCare Inc.
    • PaintCare does not operate in Massachusetts: its states list (California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington) omits Massachusetts. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Bill S.647 (194th General Court): An Act relative to paint recycling (opens in new tab) · The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    • Massachusetts paint stewardship bill S.647 has not passed. It was reported favorably on 7/3/2025 and is "Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means". Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Bill H.886 (194th General Court): An Act relative to paint recycling (opens in new tab) · The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    • House paint recycling bill H.886 has not passed. Its status is "Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means". Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility Commission Final Report (January 15, 2026) (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • The EPR Commission recommended the Legislature create a paint EPR program (e.g., PaintCare) by July 1, 2026. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Per the EPR Commission report, only 23% of Massachusetts residents have access to year-round paint collection, and a third have no municipal HHW collection. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
    • Latex paint may go in the regular trash only when completely dry: it must not leak when turned upside down. Kitty litter or cardboard pieces speed drying. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Wet paint should not go in the trash because it clogs and can break trash compaction equipment. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Beyond the Bin lists some latex paint drop-off spots. Residents should check whether their town collects latex paint at HHW days. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • MassDEP lists approved household hazardous product collection facilities. Call or check each facility's website for items, fees and hours. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Questions about household hazardous products can go to MassDEP at 866-963-7287 or massdep.hhp@mass.gov. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

How we check our information