Paint recycling
in Tennessee.
Paint disposal in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Tennessee has no free paint recycling program, and the state's mobile collection days don't take paint.
Check your local rules.
Dry latex paint completely and put it in your trash; TDEC says to speed it up with kitty litter, sawdust or shredded paper. Take oil-based paint to your county's collection site. Davidson, Shelby, Knox, Hamilton and Putnam counties have permanent hazardous waste sites; most take oil-based paint only and limit you to your own county (Chattanooga's takes any Tennessee resident). TDEC's spring and fall mobile events no longer accept paint. Businesses and contractors must hire a hazardous waste company.
No free state program.
Tennessee 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.
4 cities
Chattanooga ↗
Chattanooga's household hazardous waste facility on North Hawthorne Street takes oil-based paint from any Tennessee resident, Tuesday to Saturday. It does not take latex or acrylic paint; the city and Hamilton County say to let latex dry completely and put it in your trash.
Checked October 7, 2026TennesseeKnoxville ↗
Knoxville's household hazardous waste facility at 1033 Elm Street takes oil-based paint free, six days a week. It stopped taking latex in March 2018. City and Knox County both say to dry latex completely and throw it away.
Checked October 7, 2026TennesseeMemphis ↗
Memphis residents use Shelby County's household hazardous waste facility on Haley Road. It is open three mornings a week and takes oil-based paint free. It no longer takes latex paint; the county says to dry latex and bag it in your garbage.
Checked October 7, 2026TennesseeNashville ↗
Nashville splits paint in two. Oil-based paint, stain and varnish go free to Metro's East or Ezell Pike convenience center. Latex paint is not taken there at all: Metro wants you to use it up, give it away, or dry it and put it in your trash.
Checked October 7, 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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