Massachusetts guide
How to get rid of paint in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has not passed a paint stewardship law, so PaintCare does not operate drop-off sites here. MassDEP publishes separate guidance for latex (water-based) paint and for oil-based products that belong at household hazardous waste collections.
Facts checked against PaintCare and Mass.gov on 2026-11-05.
No PaintCare program (yet)
PaintCare states that Massachusetts has not yet passed a paint stewardship law and that PaintCare does not currently offer paint drop-off sites in the state.
Latex / water-based paint (MassDEP)
- Wet latex paint can clog trash compaction equipment.
- Before trash disposal, paint must be entirely dry (can be flipped upside down with no leaks). Kitty litter or cardboard pieces can help it dry.
- Paint in good condition can be used for small projects, taken to a paint swap, or donated where accepted.
- Check Beyond the Bin and your city or town site for latex drop-off or HHW day options.
Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products.
Oil-based paint and other coatings
Oil-based paints and stains are typically held for a municipal household hazardous waste collection or a commercial hazardous waste facility. Check your town's HHW schedule. Do not pour paint down drains.
Town pages that mention paint / HHW
- Attleboro - Paint accepted only on Household Hazardous Waste days (oil paint or aerosol only; no latex). Latex paint should be dried, bagged, and put in trash. Use city HHW events for other hazardous materials.
- Chatham - Paint Shed and Mercury Shed on site. Regional HHP second Saturday May-October at Harwich Transfer Station.
- Eastham - Regional Barnstable County / Orleans reciprocal collections; not drop-in HHW at the Transfer Station.
- Greenfield - Residents call 413-772-1539; paint fees on table.
- Mashpee - Periodic free HHP / textile / shredding and latex paint collection events are posted on the Transfer Station page. Sharps containers via DPW at 350 Meetinghouse Road. Unused prescriptions: Police Station lobby drop box.
- Middleborough - Seasonal paint collection Apr 1 to Oct 31 (6 gal/day max). Used oil and antifreeze with 5 gal limits. Other HHW banned; Clean Harbors 800-444-4244 for guidance.
- Needham - Fluorescent tubes free. Other HHW via Paint Days / regional events.
- Orleans - Waste oil, antifreeze, gasoline, fluorescent tubes, and auto/boat batteries free per fee schedule; other HHW via regional Cape collections.
- Plymouth - Confirm mercury, paint, and needle options via town Solid Waste links. Difficult to Manage Waste is a separate pay-by-weight area (508-224-8936). Use regional household hazardous waste events when offered.
- Wellesley - Monthly paint collection Apr-Oct (first Thursday 3-6 p.m.). Next full HHW listed spring 2027.