Hours, accepted materials and fees at public facilities change. Details here were checked in November 2026 against the operators’ own pages, linked under Sources. Call or check online before you load the truck.
PaintCare: the free option
PaintCare Washington started in 2021. It is funded by a small fee added to the price of new paint, so there is no charge when you drop leftover paint off at a participating site. Clallam County lists several drop-off sites in the county, including paint and hardware stores and a reuse store; use the PaintCare site locator for current locations and hours, and call ahead, because individual sites set their own limits and can stop participating.
What PaintCare accepts
- Interior and exterior house paint, latex or oil-based, including primers.
- Stains, deck coatings and sealers, varnishes, shellac and lacquers.
- Waterproofing sealers and metal coatings sold for architectural use.
What it does not accept
- Paint thinners, mineral spirits and solvents.
- Aerosol spray paint (in most programs; check the site).
- Leaking, unlabeled or empty containers.
- Industrial maintenance coatings, auto paint, art and craft paint.
Containers must be closed, labeled and no larger than 5 gallons. Retail sites typically take up to 5 gallons per visit; some sites take more. Products not covered can go to the Moderate Risk Waste Facility in Port Angeles on Saturdays, which accepts spray paint and solvents from households.
Latex paint you cannot get to a drop-off
Latex (water-based) paint is not hazardous waste. The City of Port Angeles notes that dried latex paint can be thrown out with regular garbage. To dry it, leave the lid off small amounts in a well-ventilated place away from children and pets, or mix in cat litter, sawdust or a commercial paint hardener until it is solid. Leave the lid off so collectors can see it is solid. Never pour paint down a drain, into a storm drain or onto the ground.
Oil-based paint
Oil-based (alkyd) paint, stains and varnishes contain solvents and should not be dried out and thrown away. Take them to a PaintCare site or the household hazardous waste facility.
Before you throw any paint away
- Keep it for touch-ups. Label the lid with the room and date; stored sealed, above freezing, latex paint often lasts for years.
- Give it away. Neighbors, community groups and reuse stores often take usable paint.
- Combine similar leftover colors for a primer coat or a shed.
- Old houses: scraped paint chips from homes built before 1978 may contain lead and should not be put in yard waste or compost.
Storing leftover paint so it stays usable
- Clean the rim, cover the opening with plastic wrap, tap the lid down firmly and store the can upside down for a few seconds to seal the lid, then upright.
- Keep paint indoors or in a space that stays above freezing; frozen latex paint can be ruined.
- Move small amounts into smaller, labeled containers to reduce air in the can.
- Write the color name, brand, sheen and room on the lid.
Moving paint safely
Pack cans upright in a sturdy box, with any damaged cans inside a sealed bucket. Do not open cans to check them in the car. Keep oil-based paints, stains and solvents away from heat and out of the passenger area, and drive straight to the drop-off. Most PaintCare sites ask you to bring paint in during their open hours and hand it to staff rather than leaving it outside.
Paint in a cleanout
If you are clearing out a garage, shed or estate, paint is often the largest category of leftover product. Sort it before the hauler arrives: usable cans to give away, PaintCare-eligible cans to a drop-off, and dried latex for the trash. Haulers usually will not take liquid paint in a general load.
Stains, sealers and deck products
Deck stains, wood sealers and waterproofers are among the products PaintCare accepts. Rags soaked in oil-based stain can self-heat and catch fire; lay them flat outdoors to dry or store them in a sealed metal container with water before disposal.
Quick checklist
- House paint, stain or varnish in a labeled can? PaintCare site.
- Small amount of latex? Dry it out and put it in the trash.
- Spray paint, thinner or solvent? Household hazardous waste facility.
- Never pour paint down a drain or onto the ground.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I recycle paint in Port Angeles?
At PaintCare drop-off sites in Clallam County, which include paint and hardware stores and a reuse store. Use the PaintCare site locator for current addresses and hours.
Is it free to drop off paint?
Yes. PaintCare is funded by a fee on new paint, so drop-off at participating sites is free for households and businesses within the site limits.
Can I throw away latex paint?
Dried latex paint can go in regular garbage. Dry small amounts with the lid off or mix in cat litter or a hardener. Never pour it down a drain.
What about spray paint and paint thinner?
Those are not part of PaintCare at most sites. Take them to the Moderate Risk Waste Facility in Port Angeles on Saturdays.