Item: Latex paint, oil-based paint, stains, varnish, thinners, paint strippers Jurisdiction: Columbus city limits / Franklin County Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Columbus residents dispose of paint through the SWACO Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 645 E. 8th Avenue, Columbus. The facility is open Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM and the first Saturday of each month 9 AM–2 PM.
Two different routes depending on paint type:
- Oil-based paint (alkyd/enamel) — accepted free at SWACO. Includes stains, varnish, thinners, turpentine, and paint strippers.
- Latex/water-based paint — you have two choices:
- Drop off at SWACO for approximately $1 per gallon (call (614) 294-1300 for current pricing)
- Dry it yourself at home using paint hardener, cat litter, or sawdust. Once fully solid, the open can goes in your regular trash — no trip needed, no fee.
Important: Liquid paint of any type never goes in the trash. Only fully dried latex paint can be disposed of with regular household waste.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Primary drop-off | SWACO HHW Facility — 645 E. 8th Ave, Columbus |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, first Saturday 9 AM–2 PM |
| Oil-based paint | Free at SWACO |
| Latex paint at SWACO | ~$1 per gallon (call (614) 294-1300 to confirm) |
| Latex paint drying | Free — use hardener, cat litter, or sawdust at home |
| Phone | (614) 294-1300 |
| ID recommended | State-issued ID |
| Business waste | Not accepted — businesses call (614) 294-1300 for commercial pricing |
| Mobile events | SWACO sponsors periodic HHW events across Central Ohio |
Decision Table — Which Route for Your Paint?
| Type of paint | Best route | Cost | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-based (alkyd, enamel) | SWACO facility | Free | Seal container, bring to 645 E. 8th Ave |
| Latex — small amount left | Dry at home | Free (absorbent cost only) | Add hardener or cat litter, stir, let solidify, trash |
| Latex — many cans | SWACO facility | ~$1/gal | Call (614) 294-1300 for current pricing |
| Stains, varnish, thinners | SWACO facility | Free | Part of oil-based paint category |
| Paint strippers | SWACO facility | Free | Accepted with HHW |
| Liquid latex (any amount) in trash | Never | Fine / illegal | Must be dried first or taken to SWACO |
| Commercial paint | Contact EEI at (614) 294-1300 | Varies | Not accepted at SWACO as residential waste |
Latex vs. Oil-Based Paint — Know the Difference
Not all paint is disposed of the same way. Check the label on your paint can before deciding where to take it.
How to identify:
- Look for the words "Latex," "Water-Based," or "Acrylic" on the label — these are latex paints
- Look for "Alkyd," "Enamel," or "Oil-Based" — these are oil-based paints
- Check the cleanup instructions: soap and water = latex; mineral spirits/paint thinner = oil-based
Latex paint can be dried at home and disposed of in the trash, or taken to SWACO for a fee. Oil-based paint is hazardous waste and must go to SWACO (free).
How to Dry Latex Paint at Home for Trash Disposal
If you only have a small amount of latex paint left, drying it at home is the easiest and cheapest option. No trip required.
Step-by-Step
- Remove the lid and let the paint sit for a few days if there is very little left
- If more than an inch remains, mix in an absorbent material:
- Paint hardener (available at hardware stores — follows package directions)
- Cat litter (clay-based works best)
- Sawdust or wood shavings
- Stir thoroughly until the mixture is thick and no liquid remains
- Leave the lid off and let it air dry — this can take several days depending on the amount
- Once fully solidified, dispose of the open can in your regular household trash
Important notes
- Do not put liquid paint in the trash — it can leak and contaminate, and your hauler may reject it
- Leave the lid off so your waste hauler can see the contents are solid
- Do not pour paint down drains or onto the ground — this is illegal and can contaminate groundwater
- Drying works only for latex paint — do not attempt this with oil-based paint, which is flammable and hazardous
SWACO HHW Facility
If you have oil-based paint, multiple cans of latex, or other household hazardous waste, the SWACO facility is your destination.
Address: 645 E. 8th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 (corner of E. 8th and Essex Ave)
Hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| First Saturday of month | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday & holidays | Closed |
Phone: (614) 294-1300
What SWACO Accepts (Paint)
- Oil-based paint (alkyd, enamel)
- Stains and varnishes
- Paint thinners, turpentine
- Paint strippers and removers
- Latex paint (fee applies — ~$1/gal)
What ELSE SWACO Accepts
The facility is a full HHW drop-off center. Other items accepted include:
- All batteries (household, rechargeable, auto)
- Corrosives and flammables
- Motor oil and antifreeze
- Pool chemicals
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Fluorescent bulbs and CFLs
- Propane tanks (small, non-refillable)
- Smoke detectors
- Cooking oil
What SWACO Does NOT Accept
- Ammunition, explosives, or fireworks
- Asbestos
- Needles, sharps, or medical waste
- Spray foam cylinders
- Tires
- Regular trash or construction debris
- Appliances (see separate guide for Columbus appliance disposal)
Eligibility
The SWACO HHW Facility is available to all Franklin County household residents, including those living in Columbus. Business/commercial waste is not accepted.
Mobile HHW Collection Events
SWACO sponsors periodic mobile HHW collection events in partnership with communities across Central Ohio. These events are held at different locations throughout the year and may be more convenient than driving to the permanent facility.
- Check the SWACO website for the current event schedule
- Events are typically held seasonally
- Same waste acceptance rules as the permanent facility
- May have different hours — check before going
Contact SWACO at (614) 294-1300 or visit their website for upcoming mobile event dates and locations.
Fees and Cost Considerations
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil-based paint at SWACO | Free |
| Latex paint at SWACO | ~$1 per gallon (call (614) 294-1300 for current pricing) |
| Latex paint dried at home | Free (cost of absorbent material only) |
| Other HHW items at SWACO | Free |
| Mobile HHW events | Free (same rules as permanent facility) |
| Commercial paint disposal | Varies — call EEI at (614) 294-1300 |
The $1/gal fee for latex paint is approximate. Call ahead for current pricing before hauling your paint to SWACO.
How to Prepare Paint for Disposal
For SWACO drop-off (any paint type)
- Seal containers tightly — no leaks
- Keep original labels if possible (helps identify contents)
- Transport upright in a secured box or tub in your trunk or cargo area
- Separate latex from oil-based if bringing both
- Bring state-issued ID
For latex paint drying at home
- Stir in absorbent material until solid
- Leave lid off for air drying
- Once solidified, place open can in regular trash
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
Apartment residents:
- You are eligible for SWACO as a Franklin County household resident
- For small amounts of latex paint, drying at home is often the easiest option — no trip needed
- For oil-based paint or large amounts of latex, take a trip to SWACO at 645 E. 8th Ave
- Store paint in a cool, dry area away from heat sources until disposal
Renters without a vehicle:
- Drying latex paint at home avoids the need for transport entirely
- For oil-based paint, ask a neighbor with a vehicle for help getting to SWACO
- Consider combining the trip with other SWACO-eligible HHW items to make it worthwhile
Business and Contractor Paint Disposal
The SWACO HHW facility serves residential waste only.
If you are a business, contractor, or property manager with commercial paint waste:
- Contact EEI directly at (614) 294-1300 for commercial disposal pricing
- Do not attempt to dispose of commercial paint through SWACO's residential program
- Do not estimate costs — get a written quote from EEI
Safety Caveats
- Oil-based paint is flammable — store away from heat sources, pilot lights, and direct sunlight
- Never put liquid paint of any type in the trash — it can leak, contaminate, and is not accepted by waste haulers
- Never pour paint down drains, sinks, storm drains, or onto the ground — this is illegal and environmentally damaging
- Use paint hardener in a well-ventilated area
- Keep paint containers out of reach of children and pets
- Do not smoke near oil-based paint or thinners
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Throwing liquid paint in the trash
Only fully dried latex paint can go in the trash. Liquid paint of any type is not accepted.
2. Confusing latex with oil-based
Check the label. Attempting to dry oil-based paint is dangerous — it is flammable and must go to SWACO.
3. Driving to SWACO without calling first
The $1/gal latex fee may have changed. Hours may differ on holidays. Call (614) 294-1300 before loading your car.
4. Pouring paint down drains
Even small amounts of latex or oil-based paint can damage plumbing and contaminate water systems. Always dry or properly dispose.
5. Bringing commercial paint to SWACO
It will be rejected. Businesses must use the commercial route through EEI.
6. Leaving paint cans with liquid paint for trash pickup
Your hauler will likely leave them behind. If they break in the truck, they create a mess and hazard.
7. Not checking for mobile events
SWACO runs periodic mobile HHW events that may be closer to your home than the permanent facility. Check their schedule first.
Official Verification Checklist
Call SWACO at (614) 294-1300 before heading to the facility:
- Confirm SWACO hours — Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, first Sat 9 AM–2 PM. Closed holidays
- Check current latex paint fee — call (614) 294-1300 for exact pricing
- Verify accepted items — confirm your specific paint type is accepted
- Check mobile event schedule — SWACO may have events closer to you
- Prepare containers — sealed, not leaking, ideally labeled
- Bring ID — state-issued ID recommended
- If drying latex at home — confirm with your waste hauler that solidified latex in open cans is accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put paint in my regular trash? Only fully dried latex paint. Oil-based paint is hazardous waste and must go to SWACO. Liquid paint of any type does not go in the trash.
How do I dry out latex paint? Mix in paint hardener, cat litter, or sawdust. Stir until solid. Leave the lid off to air dry. Once fully solidified, dispose of the open can in regular trash.
Where is the SWACO facility? 645 E. 8th Avenue, Columbus (corner of E. 8th and Essex Ave). Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, first Saturday 9 AM–2 PM.
How much does latex paint disposal cost at SWACO? Approximately $1 per gallon. Call (614) 294-1300 for current pricing. Oil-based paint is free.
Is oil-based paint accepted for free? Yes — oil-based paint, stains, varnish, thinners, and paint strippers are accepted free at SWACO.
Sources
- Columbus HHW Collection Page — City of Columbus hazardous waste guidance
- SWACO HHW Page — SWACO Household Hazardous Waste Facility details
- Columbus Hazardous Waste — City additional hazardous waste resources
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. SWACO policies, fees, and hours change. Call (614) 294-1300 to verify current information before hauling any paint.