To dispose of old paint in Charlottesville: dried/solidified latex paint can go in regular trash or we haul it with other junk. Liquid latex paint goes to PaintCare drop-off locations or hazardous waste events. Oil-based paint (any amount) is always hazardous waste. Call Albemarle Moving and Junk Removal at 434-230-4551 if paint is part of a larger cleanout.
Paint disposal rules in Virginia depend on the type of paint and its condition. This is one of the most asked questions we get, so here’s the complete answer.
Latex (Water-Based) Paint — Dried/Solid
Dried or solidified latex paint can go in your regular household trash in Virginia. To dry it:
- Leave the lid off and let it dry in a well-ventilated area (takes days to weeks)
- Add cat litter or commercial paint hardener to speed drying
- Stir and let sit until completely solid
Once completely solid, the can and hardened paint can be thrown away. We can also haul dried-paint cans as part of any standard cleanout.
Latex Paint — Still Liquid
Liquid latex paint requires special disposal:
- PaintCare drop-off — check paintcare.org for drop-off locations near Charlottesville. Many hardware stores participate.
- Albemarle County Hazardous Waste events — check albemarle.org for scheduled dates
- Ivy MUC household hazardous waste area — call 434-296-5861 to confirm hours
Oil-Based Paint — Always Hazardous
Oil-based paint (alkyd, enamel, primer labeled "clean with mineral spirits") is hazardous waste regardless of whether it’s liquid or dried. It must go to:
- Albemarle County hazardous waste collection events
- Ivy MUC HHW area (call ahead)
- PaintCare drop-off (check paintcare.org for acceptance)
We do not haul liquid paint of any type — latex or oil-based. Dried solid paint in cans is fine.
When We Can Help
If you’re doing a garage cleanout or basement cleanout and have:
- Dried paint cans — yes, we haul those
- Old brushes, rollers, drop cloths — yes
- Empty paint cans — yes
- Liquid paint cans — sort those out for separate hazardous waste disposal, we’ll haul everything else
Call 434-230-4551 and describe what you have — we’ll give you a straight answer on what we can take and what needs to go through hazardous waste channels.
See also: Garage Cleanouts — Basement Cleanouts — Full Charlottesville Disposal Guide
Quick Answers
❓ How do I get rid of old paint in Charlottesville?
Dried latex paint goes in regular trash or junk removal. Liquid latex paint goes to PaintCare drop-offs. Oil-based paint is hazardous waste only. Albemarle Moving hauls dried paint cans as part of cleanouts — call 434-230-4551.
❓ Does Albemarle Moving haul paint?
Albemarle Moving and Junk Removal hauls dried/solidified paint cans. They cannot transport liquid paint. For a garage or basement cleanout that includes dried paint cans, call 434-230-4551.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of old paint in Charlottesville VA?
Can you haul old paint cans in Charlottesville?
Where can I take old paint in Charlottesville VA?
Ready to Schedule?
Call 434-230-4551 — same-day often available. Price confirmed before loading. No deposits.