Paint recycling
in Wisconsin.
Paint disposal in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and Eau Claire. Wisconsin has no PaintCare program, so paint goes to county hazardous waste sites and Clean Sweep events, and the rules change a lot from county to county.
Check your local rules.
The Wisconsin DNR says latex paint can be dried until solid and put in the trash. Oil-based paint must go to a hazardous waste collection. Counties run their own programs, many funded through the state’s Clean Sweep grants, and many refuse latex or charge for it. The DNR suggests calling ahead to check items, hours and fees. Milwaukee County (through MMSD) takes latex free; Dane County charges $15 a trip; Brown County charges by the pound; Eau Claire County charges $4 a gallon at its few yearly events. Some sites have free product exchange rooms with usable paint. Businesses usually need an appointment or a private hazardous waste company.
No free state program.
Wisconsin 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
Eau Claire ↗
Eau Claire, Wisconsin has no year-round paint drop-off. Eau Claire County holds three Clean Sweep events a year at WRR Environmental Services on Ryder Road, and all three 2026 events have passed. Part of the city is in Chippewa County, which has its own event.
Checked October 7, 2026WisconsinGreen Bay ↗
In Green Bay, Wisconsin, paint goes to the Brown County Hazardous Material Recovery facility at 2561 S. Broadway. It’s open to households only two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday. The City of Green Bay doesn’t pick up paint with your trash.
Checked October 7, 2026WisconsinMadison ↗
In Madison, Wisconsin, liquid paint of any kind goes to Dane County Clean Sweep at the Dane County Landfill, 7020 Maahic Way. It costs Dane County households $15 a trip. Latex paint that has dried solid goes in your tan trash cart with the lid off.
Checked October 7, 2026WisconsinMilwaukee ↗
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, leftover paint goes to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), not your garbage cart. MMSD runs free household hazardous waste drop-offs for anyone living in Milwaukee County. Two are in the city: at the South Drop Off Center on W. Lincoln Avenue and on S. 13th Street near College Avenue. They take both latex and oil-based paint.
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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