Item rules

Can You Put Paint in a Dumpster?

No. Liquid paint should not go in a dumpster. Take leftover paint to a PaintCare drop-off site.

Why paint stays out

Angi says paint, chemicals or asbestos in a rental can trigger rejection or disposal fees over $200 to $500. HomeGuide lists paint cans among the items that typically are not allowed in dumpsters going to a landfill.

The Illinois EPA paint page does not say paint is banned from landfills. It sets out the drop-off program instead.

What to do with the paint instead

Illinois EPA says PaintCare runs over 300 year-round drop-off sites in Illinois. Sites accept primers, stains, sealers, shellac and varnish. They do not accept spray paint.

Call the site first. Illinois EPA says to contact each drop-off site to confirm hours. Find a site at PaintCare Illinois.

WasteBox's rule

Paint is accepted only if it is fully hardened.

Call before you load it

Call 630-850-0770, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 4 pm. Or request a quote and we will get back to you.

Questions people ask

Can I put empty paint cans in a dumpster?

Paint is accepted only if it is fully hardened.

Where do I take leftover paint in Illinois?

To a PaintCare drop-off site. Illinois EPA says there are over 300 year-round sites.

Does PaintCare take spray paint?

No. Illinois EPA says the sites do not accept aerosols.

Book a dumpster

Call and describe the job. We size the container with you, give you the price on that call and book the date. Same-day delivery when the route allows.

Call 630-850-0770 Request a quote