Specialist disposal
How to dispose of paint
Leftover paint can be donated for reuse. If nobody can use it, let it harden and take the tin to a tip, as tips cannot take liquid paint.
Donate it
Community RePaint has drop-off points at some tips. It passes usable paint on to community groups and people in need.
Harden it, then take it to a tip
Tips take tins of paint once the paint is solid.
Solvent based paint
Solvent based paint, paint thinner and white spirit are hazardous waste. In England and Wales, GOV.UK finds your council's hazardous waste service from your postcode.
Liquid waste is banned from landfill
Recycle Now, run by the charity WRAP, says councils cannot accept liquid paint because liquid waste is banned from landfill.
Key facts
- Binmap lists 58 tips that say they take paint.
- Another 462 places may take paint, but they do not say so. Check before you go.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
Written by Binmap using guidance from Recycle Now and GOV.UK.
Pages from the organisations involved
Advice from national bodies
What to do
- Take the lid off the tin.
- Mix in sawdust, sand or soil, or a paint hardener.
- Leave it until the paint is solid and dry.
- Pierce the dried paint to check it has hardened all the way through.
Kinds of place that take it
- Specialist disposal points
- Recycling centres
More local guides
Guides for similar items
Other kinds of place
Schemes and collection services
Binmap is independent and is not run by any council.