Paint recycling
in Minnesota.
Paint drop-off in the Twin Cities, regional cities and northern Minnesota.
Check your local rules.
County hazardous waste sites take paint and chemicals, but many change hours or close for winter, and some only serve county residents. Paint stores are an easy option for a few cans of house paint.
Free paint recycling.
Minnesota has a free paint recycling program called PaintCare. Many paint and hardware stores take leftover house paint, stain and varnish at no charge.
How it works in Minnesota ↗10 cities
Alexandria ↗
Alexandria’s Environmental Center moved to Nokomis Street. Use the current location page, not the older one showing Jefferson Street and fewer Saturdays.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaBemidji ↗
Bemidji’s full-service transfer station has a hazardous waste area for latex and oil paint. Older listings miss two things: it’s closed to the public Tuesdays, and you need a Solid Waste ID Card.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaBrainerd ↗
Brainerd’s county hazardous waste site is east of town on Highway 210. It takes a mixed household painting cleanup, but Saturday hours stop in November.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaDuluth ↗
In Duluth, take paint to Resource Renew (formerly WLSSD) on Courtland Street. Its household hazardous waste site is open Thursday–Saturday, unlike its Ridgeview Road recovery center.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaMankato ↗
Mankato’s Summit Avenue site takes household waste all winter, but evening, Saturday and reuse hours shrink after October. Plan a paint cleanout around the fall schedule.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaMinneapolis ↗
Minneapolis households can use either Hennepin County paint drop-off. Bring a mixed garage cleanout to the county. A few cans of house paint may be easier at a PaintCare store.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaRochester ↗
Rochester residents can take leftover paint to the county hazardous waste site on Energy Parkway, Tuesday–Saturday. The office is open Monday; drop-off is not.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaSt Cloud ↗
St Cloud sends household hazardous waste to the regional site in Waite Park. The city spans counties, so check that your household can use it, then follow the current schedule.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaSt Paul ↗
Saint Paul’s county drop-off moved to the Environmental Center in Roseville, not the old Bay West site on Empire Drive. The building also has a free Reuse Room for leftover paint and a by-appointment small business program.
Checked October 6, 2026MinnesotaWinona ↗
Winona’s downtown hazardous waste site is free on weekdays for county residents. Though it’s near Wisconsin, Wisconsin households can’t use it.
Checked October 6, 2026Spray cans, thinner and other chemicals?
Paint stores won’t take these. Take them to your local household hazardous waste site. Your city guide lists it.
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