Calgary disposal answer
Paint: special drop-off
Special handling
Take leftover paint, spray paint and paint cans, even empty or dried-out ones, to a fire-station HHW depot or City Eco Centre. Drop-off is free.
How to prepare it
- Keep paint in its original can with the lid on tight; if the can is failing, move it to a clean, leak-proof container and label it.
- Bring up to 20 litres per visit, with no single container larger than 20 litres.
- Stains, varnishes, lacquers, thinners, strippers, wood preservatives, artist paint and nail polish go to the same drop-offs.
- Load cans upright in a sturdy box so they cannot tip or roll.
- Never pour paint down a sink, toilet or drain.
Good to know
Paint cans are banned from the black cart whether they are full, half-used or dried out, and they do not go in the blue cart either. The HHW program is for households; commercial painting businesses have separate drop-off dates on the City's commercial paint page. Bringing other garbage to an Eco Centre along with paint means the load is charged.
Similar items
Where to drop it off
City Eco Centres at the Spyhill, Shepard and East Calgary landfills accept many items for free. Check today’s hours before you go.