Old paint cans collect in garages everywhere, and none of them can go in the garbage. Paint is on Metro Vancouver’s banned list, and loads that contain banned hazardous materials can be surcharged at its disposal sites. The upside is that BC has a free program that takes household paint back.
Paint is a banned material
Metro Vancouver's disposal ban manual lists paint products, solvents and flammable liquids among the hazardous and stewardship items banned from disposal. Richmond's page on banned materials says the same, and notes that loads at disposal sites are inspected. Paint never goes in a Trash King bin. Our what not to put in a bin post has the full list.
Product Care's free paint recycling
Product Care Recycling runs BC's paint program. It says there are more than 200 locations in BC where you can drop off leftover paint for free. At about 100 of those, you can also drop off flammable liquids and pesticides through the household hazardous waste program. Not every location takes everything, so use the program's locator before you go.
Product Care's rules for the drop-off:
- Paint must be in its original container, with the label on and tightly sealed.
- Do not mix different paints together. Mixed paint cannot be accepted.
- You can bring up to 10 containers of paint or 50 spray cans at a time. Paint containers can be no larger than 25 litres.
The program takes interior and exterior latex, acrylic, oil-based and alkyd household paint, primers and undercoats, concrete and masonry paint, deck and floor paint, stain, varnish and urethane that is single component, and all types of aerosol paint. It also takes empty containers of accepted products with the original label.
What it does not take
Product Care's not-accepted list includes unlabelled or non-original containers, containers that are badly rusted or leaking, paint in glass containers, two-part paints with a catalyst, tar-based products, caulking, epoxies, glues, adhesives and colourants. Paint thinner, mineral spirits and solvents are not in the paint program, though some household hazardous waste sites take them.
Depot examples
Individual depots set their own limits, so check yours.
- Richmond Recycling Depot, 5555 Lynas Lane, 604-276-4010. It accepts household paint and paint aerosols, up to 18.9 litres of household paint and 660 grams for aerosols.
- Metro Vancouver's United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre, 995 United Boulevard, Coquitlam. It accepts residential paint and varnish in original, labelled containers of no more than 23 litres, aerosols up to 660 grams and a maximum of 10 paint cans or 50 aerosols per visit. It is free.
Before a renovation
If a renovation or cleanout is coming, take the paint out first. Our household garbage page covers the rest of the junk once the paint and other regulated items are out.
FAQ
Can I put paint in the garbage? No. Paint is on Metro Vancouver's list of banned materials.
Does it cost anything to drop paint off? No. Product Care says drop-off at its BC locations is free.
How much can I bring? Product Care says up to 10 containers of paint or 50 spray cans at a time. Depots may set lower limits.
Can I mix old paints together? No. Paint must be in its original container and not mixed.