How should I dispose of leftover paint cans after our house painting project in Burnaby?

In Burnaby and across Metro Vancouver, leftover paint is classified as a household hazardous waste and must never go in your regular garbage or recycling bin. BC has a well-established product stewardship program managed by Product Care Association that makes proper disposal straightforward and free.

You can drop off leftover latex and oil-based paint at any Product Care depot in the Lower Mainland. Convenient locations include the Burnaby Eco-Centre on Wayburne Drive, the Vancouver South Transfer Station, and various Return-It depots throughout the region. There's no charge for residential quantities, and they accept both full and partially used cans.

For latex paint specifically, if you have small amounts left over, you can dry it out by adding kitty litter or sawdust, letting it harden completely, and then placing the solidified paint (with the lid off so collectors can verify it's dry) in your regular garbage. However, this method only works for latex — never for oil-based paints, stains, or solvents.

If your painting contractor is handling disposal, confirm they're using licensed facilities. Professional painters in BC generate enough waste that they typically have accounts with hazardous waste handlers. A responsible contractor will include proper disposal in their quote rather than cutting corners.

Product Care also accepts paint aerosols, stains, varnishes, and paint thinners. As a next step, visit the Product Care website or call Metro Vancouver's Recycling Hotline at 604-RECYCLE to find the depot nearest to your home.

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