Paint Reuse
Next time you're planning a paint or refinishing project, come to the paint shed first to see what is available at no cost before you head to the store. Paint and related products collected from residents in the paint recycling program are available to residents, businesses, and contractors for reuse.
 
 Paint Products Available for Reuse

• Latex Paint
• Oil-Based Paint
• Alkyd Paint
• Primer

We are not currently Accepting (please bring to Hazardous Waste Collection Event)

• Stain
• Varnish
• Lacquer
• Polyurethane
• Turpentine
• Paint Thinner
• Paint Remover
• Linseed Oil
• Other Paint Products

Who Can Participate
Drop-off is open to Concord residents only. Paint and related products are available free to residents, businesses, contractors, and anyone else.
 
Latex Paint Recycling & Disposal

Latex paint is not hazardous waste and may be safely disposed of at home. The only latex paint that is accepted at the paint shed is latex paint that is likely to be reused or can be recycled.
 
Recycle the Following Latex Paints at the Paint Shed

• Paint in good, usable condition
• Paint in cans at least ½ full
• Paint in its original can with clear labels (must indicate latex flat, semi-gloss, gloss)

Dispose of the Following Latex Paints at Home

• Latex paint that you can't imagine using in your own house
• Cans that are less than ½ full
• Paint in cans that are rusted
• Paints that have been frozen
• Paints that are so old and crusted over that no one is likely to use them
• Empty cans or cans with dried out paint
• Cans without a readable label

How to Dispose of Latex Paint at Home

• Cans with less than 1-inch of latex paint: Dispose of directly with regular trash. Participants in Concord's Trash Program should remove the lid and place the can and lid in a cardboard box next to the trash with a trash sticker.
• Cans with more than 1-inch of latex paint: Dry before disposal. Mix with kitty litter, and follow above disposal instructions.

Oil & Alkyd-Based Paint Recycling & Disposal
Volatile elements in oil and alkyd-based paints, exterior stains, and polyurethane contribute significantly to ground-level ozone and air pollution problems. Whenever practical, residents should avoid using these products. Substantial quantities of leftover oil - and alkyd-based paint can be brought to the paint shed for reuse, recycling.

Recycle the Following Oil or Alkyd-Based Paint 

Cans that are more than ¼ full, no matter what condition.
 
Dispose of the Following Oil - or Alkyd-Based Paint, Stain, or Polyurethane at Home 

• Empty cans
• Cans with dried out contents
• Cans that are less than ¼ full

How to Dispose of Oil or Alkyd-Based Paint, Stain, or Polyurethane at Home

• Cans that are less than ¼ full may be disposed of directly with regular trash
• Do not dry out. Make sure the lid is on securely and place in a tightly sealed plastic trash bag

Stain, Varnish, Polyurethane, Interior Stain, Paint Thinner, Paint Remover, Turpentine & Wood Preservative Recycling & Disposal
In addition to contributing significantly to ground level ozone and air pollution problems, these items are highly flammable and pose a risk to trash truck drivers if materials are disposed of in collection vehicles.
 
Recycle the Following Paint Product at the Paint Shed
Stain, Varnish, Polyurethane, Interior Stain, Paint Thinner, Paint Remover, Turpentine and Wood Preservatives should be brought to household hazardous waste collection events. Small quantities may be disposed of at home (see below).
 
How to Dispose of Products at Home
Containers with very little liquid in them may be disposed of by leaving the lid off and allowing the product to evaporate, then dispose of empty container with regular trash.
 
 Unacceptable Materials

• Stain – Interior/Exterior 
• Varnish 
• Polyurethane 
• Paint Thinner/Remover 
• Turpentine 
• Wood Preservative
• Driveway Sealant
• Lead paint or paint containing other heavy metals
• Creosote
• Paint in aerosol cans
• Paint in cans with unreadable labels
• Joint compound, tile grout, etc.
• Epoxy
• Hazardous materials that are not paint related
   
   These items are not accepted at the paint shed and must be brought to the Minuteman Regional Household Hazardous Products Facility. The facility is open to Concord residents one Saturday per month April through November. Contact Concord Public Works at 978-318-3240 or visit www.concordma.gov/hhw for details.

Costs to the Town to Dispose of Unused Paint and Related Products

Disposing of unused paint is costly to the Town. The Town must pay the following costs to dispose of unwanted paint and related products. Products are shipped in boxes in their original container. There are approximately 100 gallon containers per box. 

• $390 per cubic yard box to dispose of latex and oil - or alkyd-based paints suitable for recycling
• $430 per cubic yard box to dispose of special purpose products (such as stains, varnish, polyurethane, paint thinner, etc.) for fuel blending
• The Town pays approximately $4 to dispose of each gallon can

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed to help organize the paint shed. This can be done on Saturdays or weekdays and takes as little as two hours per month (April-October). If you are interested in volunteering, contact Concord Public Works at 978-318-3240 or contact the Recycling and Waste Management Program by email for more information.