Paint disposal: give it away or harden it for the tip

Tips cannot take liquid paint, because liquid waste is banned from landfill. Recycle Now says to give leftover paint away, or harden it and then take it to a tip.

• UK

Key facts

• Community RePaint passes unwanted paint on to community groups and people in need.
• Solvent-based paint, paint thinner and white spirit are hazardous waste. Use your council's hazardous waste service.
• In England and Wales, GOV.UK has a postcode search for that service. In Scotland, see SEPA. In Northern Ireland, see DAERA.
• Most tips take empty or dry metal paint tins. Plastic paint tins are not widely accepted.

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Based on Recycle Now's own pages.

How to use this service

1. Add paint hardener, or sawdust, sand or soil, to the tin.
2. Leave the lid off until the paint is solid and dry.
3. Pierce the dried paint to check it is hard all the way through.
4. Take it to a tip.

Accepted items

• Hardened leftover paint
• Empty or dry metal paint tins

Restrictions

• Tips cannot take liquid paint.
• Solvent-based paint, paint thinner and white spirit need a hazardous waste service.

Related item guides

• Paint

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Schemes and collection services

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• Recycle Now locator
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• Recycle Now: gas bottles
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