Latex (water-based) paint
Latex paint is not considered hazardous. According to the City of Philadelphia, latex or water-based paint that has dried or solidified can go out with your regular trash.
To dry a can, leave the lid off in a ventilated spot or mix in an absorbent like kitty litter until the paint is solid, then put the can out on trash day. Liquid paint should never be poured down a drain or into the street.
Oil-based paint, stains and solvents
Oil-based paint, thinners and stains are household hazardous waste. Philadelphia collects them at free Household Hazardous Waste events, open to residents from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with no registration needed. Business waste is not accepted.
The last 2026 event is Saturday, November 7, at 3901 N. Delaware Ave. in Port Richmond. Check phila.gov for next year's dates.
Used light bulbs
Compact fluorescent (CFL) and tube fluorescent bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, so the EPA recommends recycling them instead of throwing them away.
Many home improvement stores, such as Home Depot, Lowe's and IKEA, take unbroken CFLs for free at the returns desk. Keep bulbs in their original box or wrap them so they do not break on the way.
Let DumpGo pick them up
If you are already clearing out a basement, garage or rental, add the paint cans and used bulbs to the same pickup and skip the extra trips. DumpGo picks up latex paint cans and used light bulbs along with furniture, appliances and other junk.
Current Philadelphia prices for paint (plus one $75 service fee per pickup):
- 1-gallon latex paint can: $12
- 5-gallon latex paint bucket: $25
- Used light bulbs: tell us how many when you book and we will add them to your pickup