Omaha Recycling Guide
Latex or Water-Based Paint Cans
Some Restrictions Apply
ACCEPTED: EMPTY and DRY Paint Cans
EMPTY and CLEAN cans that held water-based, latex, or acrylic paints can be placed in a curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container.
- Scrape or rinse out the EMPTY can to remove all residue
- Paint can lids should go in the garbage
- Keep items loose and DO NOT bag
NOT ACCEPTED: Paint Cans with Contents Inside
- If you have paint or liquid product leftover, the best option is to use up the material for its intended purpose
- DO NOT place paint containers with leftover liquid contents in a City of Omaha curbside recycling cart or drop-off site container
- DO NOT place containers with liquid in a curbside waste or garbage cart. Completely dry out the product before placing it in the garbage
Note: Water-based paint is not considered hazardous. Once the paint is completely dry, it is ok to place a paint container in the garbage.
Learn More
Latex or water-based paints are easily identified by a label that indicates: "Soap & Water Cleanup."
Partial or full containers with liquid paint contents can be quickly solidified or dried out by stirring in cat litter or oil-dry absorbent into the container. Leave paint containers open for a few days. When solid, they can be disposed of in the garbage (NOT the recycling). Visit UnderTheSink for Proper Paint Disposal instructions.