Paint Disposal in Allen County, Indiana

Last Updated: August 2026

Old paint shouldn’t always go straight into the trash. In Allen County, liquid paint and completely dried latex paint are handled differently, and residents have a local hazardous waste facility for unwanted paint.

Quick Answer

Allen County residents can take liquid paint and stains to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Fees may apply.

Household Hazardous Waste Facility
2260 Carroll Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Phone: 260-449-4433

View Allen County Household Hazardous Waste Information

Latex Paint Disposal

Allen County allows completely dried latex paint to be disposed of with household trash.

To dry leftover latex paint:

Remove the lid.
Allow the paint to air dry completely.
Add cat litter or sawdust to speed up drying if needed.
Leave the lid off so your trash hauler can see that the paint is dry.

Liquid latex paint should not be put in the trash. It can instead be taken to the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Paint Recycling

Allen County also accepts liquid latex paint for recycling through its household hazardous waste program.

The collected latex paint is sent for processing so it can be sorted, mixed and reused as recycled paint.

Fees apply to latex paint brought to the facility, so check current Household Hazardous Waste information before visiting.

Oil-Based Paint & Stains

Oil-based paints, stains and related products should be treated as household hazardous waste rather than dried and placed with ordinary household trash.

Take these products to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility or another facility specifically authorized to accept them.

Never pour leftover paint or stain:

Down a sink
Into a storm drain
Onto the ground
Into a ditch
Into a septic system

Allen County Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Household Hazardous Waste Facility
2260 Carroll Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Phone: 260-449-4433

The facility is for Allen County residents and regularly operates its Tox Tuesday program.

Current regular hours are Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but check the county website before visiting for closures, special events and current fees.

Check Current Hours, Fees & Guidelines

How to Prepare Paint for Drop-Off

When taking paint to the facility:

Keep paint in its original container when possible.
Leave labels attached.
Make sure lids are secure.
Do not combine different paints or chemicals.
Place containers in a box or plastic tote.
Don’t bring materials in garbage bags.

The facility accepts cash or check only for applicable fees.

Before You Go

Before disposing of paint:

Determine whether it is latex or oil-based.
Check whether the paint is still usable.
Consider giving usable leftover paint to someone who can use it.
Completely dry latex paint before putting it in household trash.
Take liquid or hazardous paint to an appropriate facility.
Check current fees and hours before visiting.

Local Tip

Don’t dry out good paint just because you no longer need it. If it’s still usable, consider giving it to a friend, neighbor or community organization.

For small amounts of unwanted latex paint, cat litter or sawdust can help it dry faster if you plan to dispose of it with your regular trash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw away latex paint in Allen County?

Yes, but only when the latex paint is completely dry. Allen County recommends leaving the lid off so the waste hauler can see that the paint has hardened.

Where can I take liquid paint?

Allen County residents can take paint to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2260 Carroll Road in Fort Wayne.

Does Allen County recycle latex paint?

Yes. Liquid latex paint brought to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility is collected for recycling. Fees apply.

Can I pour leftover paint down the drain?

No. Never pour paint into household drains, storm drains, ditches or onto the ground.

Official Resources

Allen County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
2260 Carroll Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Phone: 260-449-4433

Allen County Department of Environmental Management
1 E. Main Street, Suite 755
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-449-7878

Summary

Completely dried latex paint can be disposed of with household trash in Allen County, while liquid paint, oil-based paint and stains can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Fort Wayne. Keep paint in its original labeled container, don’t mix products, and never pour leftover paint down a drain or onto the ground.