TrashRules

A field guide for
the things we leave behind.

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Choose your collection city. We’ll help with the details.

Paint & chemicalsNew York City, New York

Leftover household paint

Paint type and container condition change the route.

Paint & chemicals
More information needed

Check the conditions for your item

Confirm that your property is inside the city service area. A ZIP code alone does not establish service.

Your item, your situation

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Where it's being collected

A ZIP code alone does not confirm service. Check with NYC Department of Sanitation

Specific limits still apply. Large quantities need separate confirmation.

Keep the details close

The local rules

New York City

Follow the conditions that match your item and collection service. Open any rule for the full instructions and sources.

Special drop-offReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the container intact and the product identifiable?: Identified product, securely closed and not leaking · What type is identified on the label?: Latex / water-based architectural paint

Identified latex paint in intact containers can use a DSNY Special Waste site.

For households · NYC DSNY household collection

Quantity limit: At most five gallons per visit.

Reviewed September 22, 2026

NYC Department of Sanitation: Special Waste Drop-Off · NYC311: Special Waste Disposal
Retailer take-backReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the container intact and the product identifiable?: Identified product, securely closed and not leaking · What type is identified on the label?: Oil-based architectural paint

Use the DSNY-linked PaintCare locator, then confirm acceptance with the chosen retailer.

For households · NYC DSNY household collection

Conditions

Exceptions to check

Reviewed September 22, 2026

NYC Department of Sanitation: Harmful Household Products
Verify with the agencyReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the container intact and the product identifiable?: Identified product, securely closed and not leaking · What type is identified on the label?: Unknown, mixed, or another type

Paint type is not established. Call 311; no ordinary disposal or drop-off acceptance is confirmed.

For households · NYC DSNY household collection

Reviewed September 22, 2026

NYC311: Hazardous Materials
Verify with the agencyReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the container intact and the product identifiable?: Leaking, damaged, mixed, or unidentified

Leaking, mixed, or unidentified paint has no verified delivery route here. Call 311 before arranging disposal.

For households · NYC DSNY household collection

Reviewed September 22, 2026

NYC Department of Sanitation: Harmful Household Products · NYC311: Hazardous Materials
Verify with the agencyReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the container intact and the product identifiable?: Immediate danger, fire, or a dangerous reaction

Call 911 for immediate danger. This is not an ordinary disposal situation.

For households · NYC DSNY household collection

Reviewed September 22, 2026

NYC311: Hazardous Materials

Places & programs to check

Confirm eligibility and acceptance for your item's condition before making a trip. Listing a location does not confirm that it can take every item.

  • Manhattan Special Waste Drop-Off

    74 Pike Slip, between Cherry Street and South Street, under the Manhattan Bridge, Manhattan, NY

    NYC residents with NYC household waste; valid ID and proof of residency. Commercial waste and commercial vehicles excluded.

  • DSNY-linked PaintCare site locator

    Architectural paint in original labeled, secured containers. No leaking containers, mixed paint, dry paint, or empty cans; site capacity varies.

    Participating NYC retailers; confirm each site directly.

    Program reviewed September 22, 2026

    NYC Department of Sanitation: Harmful Household Products

    Fees: Not verified

    Fees reviewed September 22, 2026

    Appointment: Not verified

    Appointment reviewed September 22, 2026