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How do I dispose of latex paint?

The Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility (MRWF) sees a lot -- A LOT -- of people bringing in latex or water-based paints. But the household hazardous waste facility doesn't take water-based paints.

That's because you can dispose of the paint safely in your residential garbage. It's easy! Spray paints and oil-based paints need to be taken to a facility such as the MRWF for safe disposal.

So how do you tell the difference between latex paint and oil-based paints?

Oil-based paints will be labeled with words and phrases such as "alkyd, cleans with solvent, flammable or combustible." If you have a small amount of oil-based paint in a can, you can take the lid off and allow the paint to dry and dispose of in your garbage can with the lid removed.

Latex paint, or water-based paint, that is solidified or dry can be safely disposed of -- with the lid removed -- in a garbage can. If there is a small amount of paint left in the can, remove the lid and let the paint dry in the can. For larger amounts, you may need to mix in cat litter, sawdust, shredded paper or paint hardener and then allow it to dry. (Watch Video)

For paint cans that are three-quarters full and are not rusty, consider donating them to a Habitat for Humanity store near you.

Last Updated: 08/24/2021 09:05 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 23
    Jan 2026
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

  • 23
    Jan 2026
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Voting Center is open for 18 days in Election's Office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Voting Center is open for 18 days in Election's Office

  • 22
    Jan 2026
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Public Meeting: Official Logic and Accuracy Test of Voting System and Accessible Voting Unit (AVU) Demonstration

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 14
    Jan 2026
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on January 14, 2026.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 09
    Jan 2026
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots mailed for military, overseas and out of state voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots mailed for Military, Overseas and Out of State voters