Empty Paint Cans and Dried Latex Paint
Considered refuse and can be disposed of in the garbage on your curbside. The paint must be dried up.
Paint cans containing small amounts of latex paint can be disposed of by first drying out the paint: open the lid and let the paint dry outdoors, away from children and pets.
If the can of latex paint still has a substantial amount of liquid paint (one inch or more) it will not dry; you can simply add a paint hardener/drying product, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Once the latex paint has completely hardened you may dispose of it as refuse.
Of course, if the latex paint is usable and there is a significant quantity, try to use it up; or, try to donate it to a community organization.
Oil Based Paint, Paint Thinners, and Aerosol Spray Paints
These are all considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and must be disposed of by dropping off at HHW collection events. The Essex County Utilities Authority oversees the HHW Collection Days for all towns in this county, hosted twice each year – spring and fall – in nearby Cedar Grove.
Essex County seasonal HHW drop-off:
125 Fairview Avenue (next to Old Hospital Center), Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
8:30 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.
The event is free for Essex County residents only (proof of residency required)
For information and dates for the Essex HHW Collection Days, call the Essex County Utilities Authority at 973-792-9060.