Paint recycling
in Vermont.
Paint drop-off around Burlington, central Vermont and Brattleboro. Your local waste district sets the rules.
Check your local rules.
Paint stores and district sites take house paint, stain and varnish for free, usually up to 5 gallons per store visit. Spray cans and thinners go to your district’s hazardous waste site, where fees and who can use it vary.
Free paint recycling.
Vermont 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 Vermont ↗3 cities
Brattleboro ↗
Brattleboro residents can take house paint free, all year, to the Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD) on Old Ferry Road, no sticker needed. Spray paint and thinner go to the seasonal hazardous waste Depot; its last 2026 day is October 20.
Checked October 6, 2026VermontBurlington ↗
In Burlington, paint goes to the Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD), not the city. Its Environmental Depot near the airport in South Burlington takes paint, thinner and other chemicals by appointment. The Pine Street drop-off center doesn't take paint.
Checked October 6, 2026VermontMontpelier ↗
Montpelier belongs to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD), which opened a year-round Eco Depot at 300 Granger Road, Berlin, in June 2026. House paint is free there by appointment. Two downtown PaintCare stores take small loads.
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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