Paint recycling
in New Mexico.
Paint disposal in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. New Mexico has no free paint recycling program, so leftover paint goes to your city or county’s hazardous waste drop-off, or, for latex, into the trash once it’s dry.
Check your local rules.
The New Mexico Environment Department lists oil-based paint as household hazardous waste and says to contact your city, county, solid waste authority or tribal program to get rid of it. Albuquerque and Bernalillo County residents can drop it off free at the Safety-Kleen center on Girard Blvd. NE; Santa Fe County residents pay by weight at BuRRT on Fridays and Saturdays. Both Albuquerque and Santa Fe say latex can go in the trash once it’s dried or hardened with kitty litter. NMED notes a ban on throwing away free liquids, so never trash paint that’s still liquid. NMED’s first Circular Economy Plan, released in August 2026, says to explore a paint stewardship program, but none exists yet.
No free state program.
New Mexico doesn’t have a statewide paint program, so it depends on your city or county. Each city guide shows where latex and oil-based paint can go.
2 cities
Albuquerque ↗
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, oil-based paint, stain and thinner go free to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 2720 Girard Blvd. NE, run by Safety-Kleen for the city and Bernalillo County. Latex is easier: the city says you can dry it out or harden it with an absorbent, then put it in the trash.
Checked October 12, 2026New MexicoSanta Fe ↗
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, household hazardous waste, including oil-based paint, goes to BuRRT, the Buckman Road Recycling & Transfer Station at 2600 Buckman Rd. The Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency (SFSWMA) takes it only on Fridays and Saturdays and charges by weight. A nearly empty or spoiled can of latex can be dried and thrown out with your garbage.
Checked October 12, 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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