Where can I drop off old paint for recycling in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver?

Metro Vancouver has an excellent paint recycling program through Product Care — you can drop off old paint for free at numerous locations across Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver, including most major retailers and municipal facilities.

The Product Care Paint Recycling Program accepts latex paint, oil-based paint, stains, primers, and empty paint containers at no cost. This provincial program ensures old paint is either reprocessed into new paint or disposed of safely rather than ending up in landfills where it can contaminate soil and groundwater.

What You Can Recycle

Accepted items include latex and acrylic paints, oil-based paints and stains, primers, wood stains and preservatives, concrete stains, anti-rust paints, and empty metal paint cans. The paint can be dried out, partially full, or completely liquid. Not accepted are aerosol spray paints (these go to hazardous waste), industrial coatings, automotive paints, or containers larger than 20 litres.

Drop-Off Locations in Your Area

Vancouver locations include most Home Depot stores (Cambie, Marine Drive, Grandview), Canadian Tire locations, many smaller paint retailers, and the Vancouver South Transfer Station. Burnaby options include Home Depot Burnaby, Canadian Tire locations, and the Burnaby Eco-Centre on Still Creek Drive. Surrey residents can use Home Depot stores in Surrey and Langley, multiple Canadian Tire locations, and the Surrey Transfer Station.

Most major paint retailers including Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Dulux dealers participate in the program. Call ahead to confirm — some smaller locations have limited storage and may be temporarily full.

Preparing Paint for Drop-Off

Liquid paint should be kept in original containers with labels intact. Dried paint can be dropped off in cans or you can dry it yourself by adding kitty litter or paint hardener, then putting dried paint in regular garbage. Empty containers should have lids removed. Remove any loose labels but don't worry about residue — the recycling facility handles that.

Large quantities from contractor jobs or major renovations may require special arrangements. Most drop-off sites accept up to 20 litres per visit from residents, but contractors should contact Product Care directly for commercial disposal options.

Municipal Hazardous Waste Days

Many Metro Vancouver municipalities also hold hazardous waste collection events throughout the year where paint is accepted alongside other household chemicals. Vancouver typically holds events at various community centres, while Burnaby and Surrey often use municipal facility parking lots. These events are particularly convenient if you have other items like old batteries, electronics, or cleaning chemicals to dispose of.

Check your municipal website for upcoming dates — these events are usually well-advertised and happen quarterly in most communities. They're especially popular in spring when homeowners are cleaning out garages and preparing for painting season.

Find the nearest drop-off location by visiting the Product Care website or calling their hotline. Most locations are open during regular retail hours, making it convenient to drop off old paint when you're purchasing supplies for your next painting project.

Need help planning your next painting project? Vancouver Paint Contractors can match you with local professionals who follow proper paint disposal practices and environmental standards.