Most homes have a few half-used cans of paint sitting in the garage or basement after a renovation. Many people are not sure what to do with them, and leftover paint often ends up stored for years or thrown out improperly.
In British Columbia, recycling leftover paint is free and easy thanks to a province-wide stewardship programme. This guide explains who runs paint recycling in BC, which products are accepted, how much you can drop off at once, the eco fees you pay at purchase, how the free Paint Share programme works, options for contractors and businesses, and tips for buying the right amount of paint in the first place.
Table of Contents
Who Runs Paint Recycling in BC?
Paint recycling in BC is managed by Product Care Recycling, a not-for-profit stewardship organisation. The BC Paint and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program is operated and managed by Product Care Association, which is a federally incorporated, not for profit product stewardship association.
The programme operates under provincial law, pursuant to the requirements of the British Columbia Recycling Regulation (BC Reg 449/2004).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme operator | Product Care Recycling |
| Legal basis | BC Recycling Regulation |
| Cost to drop off | Free at participating locations |
| Number of locations | More than 200 across BC |
| Funding | Eco fees (environmental handling fees) at purchase |
| Reuse programme | Paint Share at selected depots |
Why Paint Recycling Matters
Liquid paint should never be poured down drains, into storm sewers or onto the ground. Oil-based paints and some coatings contain solvents that can harm waterways and wildlife, while dried-out cans still take up landfill space.
Recycling helps in several ways:
- Keeps chemicals out of soil and water
- Recovers usable paint for new products
- Recycles metal and plastic containers
- Provides free paint to people who can use it through reuse programmes
Product Care has reported strong results over the years. In one past reporting year, 100% of latex paint was recycled and no paint containers were landfilled, while all paint aerosols containers were sent for recycling.
Where to Drop Off Paint in BC
Drop-off sites are widely available. Product Care Recycling operates over 200 depots throughout BC that accept leftover household paint for recycling. Product Care explains that in British Columbia, there are more than 200 recycling locations where you can drop off your leftover paint for free.
Product Care does not run every site itself. Product Care does not directly own or manage any depots, but contracts with existing collection sites. Many locations are bottle depots, municipal recycling centres, transfer stations and some retailers.
Before you go, check the Product Care location finder for hours and accepted products, because not every site takes every item. Some locations accept only paint products, and their signs note that the recycling location only accepts Empty Paint Cans, Paint Aerosols and Household Paint.
What Paint Products Are Accepted
Household Paints and Coatings
The programme covers a wide range of architectural products. The programme accepts leftover household paint, and also includes residential grade varnishes, wood preservatives, non-tar based sealers, and many more.
Common accepted products include:
- Latex and water-based interior and exterior paint
- Oil-based and alkyd paint
- Primers and undercoats
- Stains and wood finishes
- Varnishes, lacquers and clear coatings
- Deck and floor coatings
- Empty paint containers
Paint Aerosols
Spray paint is also included. Accepted items include paint aerosols of all types, including automotive, craft and industrial products, along with empty paint aerosol containers.
Products Not Accepted as Paint
Some coatings are excluded. For example, tar and bitumen based paints and coatings are accepted in Ontario only, not in BC’s paint programme. Industrial coatings, specialty products and paints in unlabelled containers may also be refused.
Product Care notes that some excluded paint products may be accepted by its household hazardous waste recycling program in British Columbia. For items that do not fit either programme, call the RCBC Recycling Hotline for disposal options.
Drop-Off Limits and Container Rules
To keep depots safe and manageable, there are limits on how much you can bring.
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Paint containers per visit | Up to 10 |
| Paint aerosols per visit | Up to 50 |
| Maximum paint container size | 25 litres |
| Maximum aerosol size | 680 grams or 24 ounces |
Product Care confirms you can bring up to 10 containers of paint or 50 spray cans at a time (no larger than 25 litres for paint or 680g / 24oz for paint aerosols).
Container Requirements
- Keep paint in its original container.
- Make sure lids are sealed tightly.
- Labels should clearly show what the product is.
- Do not mix different paints together.
- Transport containers upright in a box or bin to prevent spills.
Product Care’s guidance requires products to be in the original container for the product and have original, manufacturer labels, clearly identifying their contents.
Safety Reminder
Never leave paint outside a closed depot. Product Care warns depots to never leave items outside when the depot is closed, because even accepted products can cause spills and safety hazards.
Eco Fees on Paint in BC
When you buy paint in BC, you pay a small eco fee that funds the recycling programme. This provincial recycling program is funded through eco fees that are paid on these products at the point of purchase.
Retailers may show the fee separately on your receipt or include it in the shelf price. The eco-fee rates are set by Product Care.
Current Paint Eco Fees
Product Care updated its fees on April 1, 2026.
| Product Size | Fee Before April 1, 2026 | Fee From April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mL to 250 mL | $0.40 | $0.45 |
| 251 mL to 1.00 L | $0.70 | $0.75 |
| 1.01 L to 5.00 L | $1.30 | $1.75 |
| 5.01 L to 25.00 L | $2.80 | $3.15 |
| Aerosols (any size) | $0.40 | $0.45 |
Source: Product Care’s published BC paint fee schedule.
The eco fee is not a deposit and is not refunded when you return paint. It pays for collection, transport, recycling and education.
Paint Share: Free Paint for Your Next Project
One of the best parts of BC’s paint programme is free reuse. Leftover paint is also made available to the public, free of charge, for reuse at a number of depots.
The programme was formerly called Paint Exchange and is now known as Paint Share. Product Care’s site guidelines refer to the Paint Share (formerly Paint Exchange & Paint ReUse) Form used at participating depots.
How Paint Share Works
- Good-quality leftover paint dropped off by residents is set aside on shelves at participating depots.
- Visitors can take paint for free for their own projects.
- Paint Share is ideal for fences, sheds, garages, crafts, school projects and touch-ups.
- Availability varies, so check with your local depot.
Paint Share saves money for households, community groups and non-profits while keeping usable paint out of the waste stream.
Paint Recycling for Contractors and Businesses
Painters, property managers, strata corporations and renovation companies often generate large amounts of leftover paint.
Large Volume Pickup
Product Care runs a large volume programme. The BC LVG program collects large volumes of stewarded paint and aerosol products from consumers and businesses at no charge.
To qualify, businesses usually need to show that the material is accepted by the programme and that an environmental handling fee (EHF)/eco-fee was paid on the material. Contact Product Care for current eligibility rules and to book a pickup.
Tips for Businesses
- Keep leftover paint sorted by type and clearly labelled.
- Store containers in a ventilated, fire-safe area.
- Track paint purchases to reduce over-ordering.
- Donate usable paint to community projects or Paint Share.
- Include paint disposal in project quotes and job planning.
Proper storage and disposal also matter for workplace safety and commercial property insurance, since flammable coatings can increase fire risk.
How Recycled Paint Is Used
Collected paint goes through several processes depending on type:
- Reuse: Good-quality paint goes to Paint Share.
- Recycling: Latex paint can be blended and reprocessed into recycled paint products.
- Energy recovery: Some oil-based paints and aerosol residues are used as fuel in approved facilities.
- Container recycling: Metal and plastic paint cans are recycled into new materials.
Tips to Reduce Leftover Paint
- Measure walls carefully and use online paint calculators before buying.
- Ask staff at the paint store to help estimate the amount you need.
- Buy sample sizes to test colours before committing to large cans.
- Store leftover paint properly with lids sealed tight and cans kept away from freezing temperatures.
- Label cans with the room and date so you can use them for touch-ups.
- Use leftover paint for small projects or donate it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pouring paint down sinks, toilets or storm drains
- Throwing liquid paint in household garbage
- Transferring paint into unlabelled containers
- Bringing more than the allowed number of containers at one time
- Leaving paint outside depots after hours
- Mixing paint with solvents or other chemicals
Final Thoughts
Paint recycling in BC is free, convenient and well organised through Product Care Recycling’s network of more than 200 locations. Residents can drop off household paint, stains, varnishes and spray paint in original labelled containers, within simple limits of 10 paint containers or 50 aerosols per visit.
The eco fee you pay at purchase funds the whole system, while Paint Share lets you pick up free paint for your next project. With careful buying and proper disposal, BC households and businesses can keep paint out of landfills and waterways while saving money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is paint recycling free in BC?
Yes. Leftover household paint and paint aerosols can be dropped off for free at more than 200 participating locations across BC.
2. How much paint can I drop off at once?
You can bring up to 10 containers of paint or 50 spray cans per visit, with paint containers no larger than 25 litres and aerosols no larger than 680 grams.
3. Can I get free paint in BC?
Yes. Some depots offer Paint Share, where good-quality leftover paint is available to the public for free.
