A little leftover paint can create a big mess when it’s placed in your trash cart before it has dried.

The City of Germantown has received complaints about paint splattered in streets, which can happen when wet paint leaks or spills from trash carts during collection. Never place wet paint in your trash cart.

Before disposing of paint, make sure it is completely dry and follow the appropriate disposal method based on the type of paint.

Latex paint

Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste and does not need to be taken to a hazardous waste facility. To dispose of latex paint:

• Pour the paint into a container filled with kitty litter or paper scraps.

• Allow the paint to dry completely.

• Once the paint is fully hardened, place it in your trash cart.

If you have a large amount of latex paint, you can purchase waste paint hardener. About one cup of paint hardener mixed with one gallon of paint can cause the paint to harden within hours. Follow the product instructions for proper use.

Oil-based paint

Oil-based paint is considered hazardous waste and should not be placed in your trash cart. It should be taken to the Shelby County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 6305 Haley Road in Memphis.

For more information, visit Shelby County Household Hazardous Waste⁠ or call (901) 222-7705.

Remember

• Never put wet paint in your trash cart.

• Never pour paint down a drain. It can damage pipes and harm the water supply.

• Never pour paint onto the ground. Paint can be hazardous to soil and the environment.

• Always allow latex paint to dry completely before placing it in the trash.

Taking a few extra minutes to properly dispose of leftover paint can help keep our streets clean and prevent unnecessary messes during trash collection.