Reuse & Recycle

* Please note – Paint Recycling is not available at SCARCE. Please see below for locations.

Residents can drop off unwanted, USABLE latex paint during the designated summer collections listed below, free of charge. Collections are typically held in the summer months.
Usable paint is latex paint that has not been frozen, is less than 10 years old and has not been mixed with other products.

Free Recycled Latex Paint
Usable latex paint will be filtered and re-blended into a variety of colors, types and finishes. Recycled paint is offered free of charge to any resident, business, non-profit, etc. in 5-gallon containers. Starting June 30th, 2018, recycled paint will be available during the same hours at the collection site.

For more information about the DuPage County Latex Paint Program, please see their website.  

How to Dispose of Latex Paint  for unusable paint or outside of summer collection dates

Non-usable latex paint (ie 10+ years old, been frozen/thawed) may be disposed of in the garbage AFTER it has been dried out.  To speed up the drying process, remove the lid from the can.  Add kitty litter or sawdust to absorb the paint.  Once the paint is completely dry, it is safe to place it in your curbside garbage.  For detailed instructions, watch our short video below.

Oil-based paints or stains are considered hazardous and cannot be recycled or placed in the garbage.  Oil-based paints and stains must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste facility.