How Do I Safely Dispose of Old Paint Cans in Ottawa According to Municipal Rules?

Good question — and one that a surprising number of Ottawa homeowners get wrong. Tossing paint cans in the garbage or pouring leftover paint down the drain isn't just improper — it can result in fines under the City of Ottawa's Sewer Use By-law and Ontario's Environmental Protection Act. Here's exactly how to handle it.

The Two Categories: Latex vs. Oil-Based

The City of Ottawa treats paint disposal differently based on the type:

Latex (Water-Based) Paint

Latex paint is the most common type in Ottawa homes — virtually all interior wall paint sold since the 1990s is latex. The good news: dried latex paint is not classified as hazardous waste in Ontario.

If the can is mostly empty (dried residue only):

• Remove the lid and let any remaining paint dry completely. In Ottawa's dry winter air, a thin layer can dry in 24-48 hours. In summer humidity, it may take longer.


• Once fully dried and hardened, the can goes in your regular black bin (garbage)


• Leave the lid off so collection crews can verify the paint is dry

If the can has significant liquid paint remaining:

• Do NOT pour it down the drain — even latex paint can clog Ottawa's sewer system and harm the water treatment process at the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre


• You have several options:

- Dry it out: For small amounts (less than a quarter can), mix in cat litter, sawdust, or commercial paint hardener to solidify it. Paint hardener is available at Ottawa hardware stores for about $5 to $10 per box and sets latex paint to a solid in 20-30 minutes. Once solid, it goes in regular garbage.
- Bring it to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) depot — this is the best option for larger quantities (see locations below)
- Use the City of Ottawa's Take It Back! program — many Ottawa paint retailers accept unused latex paint for recycling. Home Depot, Dulux, and Benjamin Moore locations across Ottawa participate.

Oil-Based (Alkyd) Paint, Stain, and Solvents

Oil-based paint, stain, varnish, paint thinner, turpentine, and mineral spirits are classified as hazardous waste under Ontario Regulation 347. They must NEVER go in regular garbage, recycling, or down the drain.

The ONLY legal disposal method: Bring them to a City of Ottawa Household Hazardous Waste depot.

Also classified as hazardous and requiring HHW depot disposal:

• Spray paint cans (even if empty — they contain residual propellant and solvents)


• Epoxy paints and hardeners


• Polyurethane finishes


• Paint strippers and removers


• Rust-inhibiting primers (many contain zinc or other metals)

Ottawa Household Hazardous Waste Depot Locations

The City of Ottawa operates two permanent HHW depots and periodic mobile collection events:

Trail Road Facility (Permanent)

• Location: 4475 Trail Road (near Carp Road and Highway 417)


• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (seasonal hours vary — check ottawa.ca)


• Accepts: All paint types, stains, solvents, and other household hazardous waste


• Cost: Free for Ottawa residents (bring proof of residency — driver's licence or utility bill)

Navan Road Facility (Permanent)

• Location: 1390 Navan Road (eastern Ottawa near Cumberland)


• Hours: Same as Trail Road, though seasonal schedules differ


• Accepts: Same materials


• Cost: Free for Ottawa residents

Mobile HHW Collection Events:

• The City runs Saturday collection events at various locations across Ottawa from spring through fall


• Locations rotate through areas like Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Stittsville, and Manotick


• Schedule posted on ottawa.ca typically in March/April for the upcoming season


• Free for Ottawa residents, no appointment needed

Quantity Limits

The City of Ottawa accepts up to 50 kg (110 lbs) of household hazardous waste per visit — roughly equivalent to about 20-25 standard paint cans. If you're cleaning out a garage or basement with more than that, you may need to make multiple trips or contact the City about bulk disposal options.

For commercial quantities (contractors cleaning out job supplies), the HHW depots are for residential use only. Commercial paint waste must be disposed of through a licensed hazardous waste hauler — costs typically start at $200-$400 per pickup depending on volume.

The Product Care (PaintRecycle) Program

Ontario participates in the Product Care Association's paint recycling program (PaintRecycle.ca). This industry-funded program collects leftover paint at participating retail locations and recycles it into new paint products or uses it as fuel in cement manufacturing.

Participating Ottawa locations include most:

• Home Hardware stores


• Home Depot locations


• Dulux / PPG paint stores


• Benjamin Moore retailers


• RONA locations

They accept: Latex paint, oil-based paint, stain, and varnish in original containers up to 30 litres. This is often more convenient than driving to Trail Road or Navan Road, especially if you live in central Ottawa, Westboro, or the Glebe where the permanent depots are a 30+ minute drive.

What About Aerosol Spray Paint Cans?

Completely empty aerosol cans (no hissing when you press the nozzle) can go in your blue bin recycling in Ottawa. The City accepts empty aerosol cans as scrap metal.

Partially full aerosol cans are hazardous waste and must go to an HHW depot or mobile collection event. Do NOT puncture them — pressurized cans are dangerous and can explode.

Lead Paint Disposal

If you have old paint from before 1976, it may contain lead. While dried lead paint in sealed cans isn't acutely dangerous, it should still go to an HHW depot rather than regular garbage. If you're dealing with lead paint chips or dust from a renovation in an older Ottawa home, this is regulated hazardous waste — contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 for guidance on safe cleanup and disposal.

Penalties for Improper Disposal

Don't be tempted to dump paint illegally:

• Pouring paint down a drain: Violation of City of Ottawa Sewer Use By-law, fines up to $10,000 for a first offence
• Dumping paint in garbage (liquid): Can result in your collection being refused and a notice from the City
• Illegal dumping on public or private land: Fines under Ontario's Environmental Protection Act up to $50,000 for individuals on first conviction
• Pouring paint into storm drains: This goes directly to the Ottawa River untreated. Penalties under the Ontario Water Resources Act can reach $100,000 for individuals

Practical Tips for Reducing Paint Waste

Ottawa painters and colour consultants recommend:

• Buy the right amount — most Ottawa paint stores can calculate your needs based on room dimensions. One gallon covers about 350-400 square feet, so a typical Ottawa bedroom needs about 1.5 gallons (walls and ceiling)
• Keep small amounts for touch-ups — store in a cool, dry place (NOT an unheated Ottawa garage where it will freeze and be ruined). A heated basement or closet is ideal. Properly sealed latex paint lasts 5-10 years
• Donate usable paint — Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Belfast Road in Ottawa accepts unopened and lightly used paint. Community organizations and theatre groups also welcome donations
• Share on community boards — Ottawa's Buy Nothing groups and Kijiji often have people looking for free paint

The professionals listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory handle paint disposal as part of their service — reputable contractors don't leave old paint for you to deal with. Ottawa Paint Contractors always recommends confirming waste disposal is included in any painting quote, especially for larger projects involving multiple paint types.