Does Lowe's take old paint?

Is any Lowe's a paint drop-off site?

We searched all 4,292 listings in PaintCare's locator data. As of October 6, 2026, not one was a Lowe's store. A few names contain "Lowe", like a Lowell, Massachusetts collection event and a Lower Connecticut River Valley event. None of them are Lowe's.

Some websites say Lowe's partners with PaintCare or that many Lowe's stores host drop-off sites. PaintCare's own list doesn't support that. Lowe's own paint guide doesn't mention taking paint back either.

A single store could still take paint on its own or for a local event. If you hear that, call the store and ask what it takes, how much, and on which days.

What Lowe's tells you to do with old paint

Lowe's guide "How to Store and Dispose of Paint Properly" (updated August 15, 2025) gives these steps. It also says rules differ by area, so follow your local rules first.

1. Latex paint: mix in an equal amount of cat litter. If you have more than half a can, pour it into a lined box or trash can first.
2. Stir until the paint thickens and won't spill. Let it sit for an hour.
3. Put the hardened paint in the trash, with the lid off the can.
4. Very little paint left? Take the lid off and let it dry where kids and pets can't reach it.
5. Oil-based paint: Lowe's calls it hazardous waste. Take it to a drop-off center your local officials name.

Paint hardeners Lowe's sells

When we checked, Lowe's sold M-1 Advanced Paint Hardener, which says it hardens up to 1 gallon. It also sold Spill Hero XSorb paint hardener in several sizes, up to large pails. Lowe's guide says you can use a store-bought hardener instead of cat litter. Follow the label.

M-1's listing says it works on latex and oil-based paint. Lowe's own guide still says oil-based paint is hazardous waste and belongs at a drop-off center. Use hardener only on latex paint, and only where your trash company allows it.

Where to take paint instead of Lowe's

If you live in a PaintCare state, paint stores and hardware stores often take paint for free. These are the chains with the most listings in PaintCare's locator. Each store chooses to take part, so check the exact address.

If you don't live in a PaintCare state

PaintCare runs in California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Outside those places, stores rarely take paint.

Call your city or county about household hazardous waste days or sites. They usually take oil-based paint, spray paint and thinners. Some take latex paint too. Others tell you to harden it.

Lowe's guide also suggests donating good paint to a community center, charity, place of worship, local theater or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Call first. Some have strict rules. For example, two Habitat ReStores in Hawaii listed by PaintCare take only unopened paint that hasn't expired.