Will Junk Removal Take Paint?

Most junk removal companies won't take liquid paint because it's classified as household hazardous waste under federal and state guidelines.

Key Takeaways

• Liquid paint — both latex and oil-based — is classified as household hazardous waste and won't be hauled
• Fully dried, hardened paint in empty cans can typically go in regular trash
• PaintCare offers free paint drop-off at hundreds of Colorado Springs retail locations (paintcare.org)
• El Paso County holds free periodic hazardous waste collection events for paint and chemicals

Paint in liquid form can contain toxic solvents, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. The EPA warns that improper disposal, including tossing liquid paint in regular trash or pouring it down drains, can contaminate groundwater and pose health risks to sanitation workers. Because of this, most haulers are not equipped or licensed to transport it.

The good news: Colorado Springs has solid options for getting rid of old paint the right way.

Why Won't Junk Removal Companies Haul Liquid Paint?

Junk removal trucks are built to haul bulky items, not hazardous materials. Liquid paint can spill, leak, or react with other items in the truck bed. Accepting it would require the hauler to follow hazardous waste transport regulations, which most standard junk removal companies are not certified for.

This applies to both latex and oil-based paints. Oil-based paint is considered more hazardous, but even dried latex paint cans with residue still raise questions depending on local collection rules.

When Does Dried Paint Change the Rules?

If your paint is completely dried and hardened, the rules change. The EPA notes that empty water-based paint cans with fully dried residue can often go in regular trash. If you want to speed up the drying process, you can leave the lid off and let it air out, or mix in cat litter or a paint hardener product you can find at most hardware stores.

Once the paint is solid throughout, check with your local waste hauler for confirmation, but it generally no longer qualifies as hazardous waste.

Where Are PaintCare Drop-Off Sites in Colorado Springs?

Colorado is a PaintCare state, which means residents can drop off leftover paint for free at hundreds of retail locations statewide. PaintCare partners include hardware stores and paint retailers that accept latex paint, oil-based paint, stain, varnish, and primers.

To find the nearest drop-off site in Colorado Springs, visit paintcare.org or call (855) 724-6809. There is no charge for dropping off paint.

PaintCare also offered a direct pickup program for households in El Paso County. If you have a large quantity of paint and can't easily transport it, call (720) 854-8722 to check if pickup service is available in your area.

When Does El Paso County Hold Hazardous Waste Events for Paint?

El Paso County holds periodic household hazardous waste collection events where residents can drop off paint, solvents, pesticides, and similar materials at no cost. These events are a reliable option for residents in Fountain, Security-Widefield, and other parts of the county who can't make it to a retail drop-off location.

Check the El Paso County website or call the county's waste management office to find upcoming event dates and accepted materials.

What Can Junk Removal Take From a Paint Cleanout?

Even if we can't take liquid paint cans, there's plenty more from a garage or basement cleanout that we handle every day. If you're clearing out a space that has old paint alongside other unwanted items, we can take the shelving, drop cloths, paint trays, rollers, ladders, and anything else that isn't hazardous.

For a full garage cleanout, we'll load up everything we legally can and help you sort out what needs to go the specialty route.

How Should You Separate Paint From Your Other Junk?

If you have a mix of items, the easiest approach is to set the paint cans aside before we arrive. That way we can move quickly through the rest of the job while you handle the paint through a PaintCare drop-off or a county collection event.

For most Briargate residents cleaning out a garage or storage area, this two-step process is simple and keeps everything moving.

Quick Summary

• Liquid paint is household hazardous waste and most junk removal companies won't haul it
• Fully dried paint in empty cans can typically go in regular trash
• PaintCare offers free drop-off at retail locations across Colorado Springs (find sites at paintcare.org)
• El Paso County holds hazardous waste collection events for larger quantities
• We can take everything else from your cleanout, including empty shelving, tools, and non-hazardous clutter

Ready to clear out the rest of your garage? Call (719) 628-5910 or get a free quote.