Item: Paint and paint cans (oil-based, latex/acrylic) Jurisdiction: Davidson County / Nashville city limits, Tennessee Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Nashville has two different rules depending on your paint type. Oil-based paint is household hazardous waste (HHW) and must go to a designated drop-off center. Latex/acrylic paint is not hazardous and can go in your regular trash once fully dried out.
Oil-based paint: Drop off for free at the East Convenience Center (943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Dr) or Ezell Pike Convenience Center (3254 Ezell Pk). Open Tuesday–Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Max 15 gallons or 100 pounds per household per month. Davidson County residents only — bring your TN driver's license.
Latex paint: Do NOT take it to HHW. Remove the lid, mix with cat litter or paint hardener, let it dry completely, then dispose in your regular trash with the lid off so collectors can see it is dry.
Only East and Ezell Pike accept HHW — Anderson Lane and Omohundro Convenience Centers do not. Call 615-862-5000 for HHW questions before you load the car.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary contact | Nashville Waste Services — 615-862-5000 |
| Official hub | Nashville HHW Collection |
| Collection method | Drop-off only (HHW centers) or trash (dried latex only) |
| HHW drop-off locations | East Convenience Center (943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Dr) and Ezell Pike Convenience Center (3254 Ezell Pk) |
| Hours | Tuesday–Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, closed Metro holidays |
| Cost | FREE for HHW (oil-based paint) within the monthly limit |
| Proof of residency | TN driver's license with Davidson County address |
| Appointment required | No — walk-in during operating hours |
| Monthly limit | 15 gallons or 100 pounds total HHW per household |
| Latex paint | NOT accepted at HHW — dry it out and trash it |
| Credit/debit | 2.8% fee ($1.95 minimum) for non-HHW purchases at centers |
| Commercial waste | Not accepted — businesses need a licensed hauler |
Latex vs. Oil-Based Paint — Which One Do You Have?
This is the most important distinction to get right. Using the wrong method wastes your time and may get your paint refused.
Oil-Based Paint (HHW)
Oil-based paint contains solvents and other chemicals that make it hazardous. It cannot go in your regular trash or recycling. Look for these signs:
- "Clean up with mineral spirits" or "paint thinner" on the label
- "Solvent-based" or "alkyd" listed on the can
- Strong solvent smell
If the cleanup instructions say mineral spirits or turpentine, it is oil-based and belongs at HHW.
Latex / Acrylic Paint (Trash Once Dry)
Latex paint is water-based and not classified as hazardous in Nashville once fully dry. Look for:
- "Clean up with soap and water" on the label
- "Water-based" or "latex" on the can
- Minimal solvent smell
Important: Liquid latex paint cannot go in the trash. You must dry it out first. The official Nashville HHW page links to a "Proper Disposal Methods for Latex Paint" guide at nashville.gov — check the city site for the complete official method.
How to Dry Latex Paint for Trash Disposal
For small amounts (less than 1/4 can):
- Remove the lid and let the paint air dry in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets.
- Speed it up by mixing in cat litter, sawdust, or a commercial paint hardener. Stir it in.
- Wait until the paint is completely solid. This can take hours to days depending on the amount.
- Throw the can in regular trash with the lid off — sanitation workers need to see the paint is solid.
For nearly full cans:
Transfer the paint into a cardboard box lined with newspaper layered with cat litter or sawdust, let it dry in thin layers, then dispose of the dried solids and the empty can in regular trash.
What not to do:
- Do not pour liquid latex paint into the trash — it will leak.
- Do not pour paint down drains, storm drains, or onto the ground — this is illegal.
- Do not take liquid latex paint to the HHW center — it will be refused.
HHW Drop-Off Locations for Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint must go to one of two Nashville Convenience Centers that accept household hazardous waste. The other two centers do not.
1. East Convenience Center
- Address: 943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Dr, Nashville, TN 37207
- HHW accepted: Yes — includes oil-based paint
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Closed: Metro holidays
2. Ezell Pike Convenience Center
- Address: 3254 Ezell Pk, Nashville, TN 37211
- HHW accepted: Yes — includes oil-based paint (same rules as East)
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Closed: Metro holidays
Do NOT Go Here for Paint
- Anderson Lane Convenience Center (939A Anderson Ln) — Does NOT accept HHW.
- Omohundro Convenience Center (1019 Omohundro Pl) — Does NOT accept HHW.
Quantity Limits and Who Can Use This Service
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Max per month | 15 gallons or 100 pounds total HHW per household |
| Eligibility | Davidson County residents only |
| Proof needed | TN driver's license with Davidson County address |
| Not accepted | Commercial/industrial waste, out-of-county residents |
| Unloading | Residents must unload their own material |
The 15-gallon or 100-pound limit covers all HHW combined — oil-based paint, pesticides, solvents, motor oil, and other hazardous items. If you drop off multiple HHW types in one trip, the combined total must stay under this limit.
Fees: What Does It Cost?
- HHW drop-off is FREE at East and Ezell Pike within the monthly limit.
- Latex paint drying (home method) is free.
- Payment for other convenience center purchases (trash disposal, bulky items): cash, check, and major credit/debit cards accepted.
- Credit/debit cards carry a 2.8% processing fee with a $1.95 minimum.
How to Prepare Paint for Drop-Off
For oil-based paint (HHW drop-off):
- Keep in original containers when possible — the label must be legible so staff know what is inside.
- Seal the lid tight to prevent leaks during transport.
- If repackaging: use a plastic jug with a secure lid and label the contents clearly.
- Do NOT mix different paint types or other chemicals together.
- Transport upright in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper to absorb any drips.
- Secure the load so containers cannot tip over.
- Bring your TN driver's license with a Davidson County address.
Before leaving:
Call 615-862-5000 to confirm the center is open, accepting paint that day, and that your load is within the monthly limit.
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
| Scenario | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Apartment resident with oil-based paint | You are eligible as a Davidson County resident. Take paint in your personal vehicle to East or Ezell Pike during operating hours. |
| Renter with latex paint | Dry out the latex paint and dispose in your building's regular trash (lid off, paint solid). Check with your property manager if the building has specific waste rules. |
| No vehicle access | Ask a friend or neighbour with a vehicle. Do not transport paint on public transit or ride-share — spills in an enclosed cabin are dangerous. |
| Commercial contractor with paint waste | Business/commercial paint is not accepted at convenience centers. Contact a licensed commercial waste hauler. |
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Taking latex paint to HHW
Latex paint will be refused at the convenience center. Dry it and put it in regular trash.
2. Throwing liquid latex paint in the trash
Liquid paint will leak in the garbage truck. Always dry it completely first.
3. Going to the wrong convenience center
Anderson Lane and Omohundro do not accept HHW. Only East and Ezell Pike take oil-based paint.
4. Exceeding the monthly limit
Over 15 gallons or 100 pounds and you will be turned away. Consider multiple trips across months or a commercial service.
5. Mixing different chemicals together
Never combine oil-based paint with other liquids. This can cause chemical reactions and make recycling impossible.
6. Pouring paint down drains
Paint poured down drains or storm drains is illegal and damages the environment. It can also clog your plumbing.
7. Burning paint cans for disposal
Burning paint releases toxic fumes and is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put empty paint cans in the regular trash? Yes, once empty and dry. If the can held oil-based paint with residue, check with 615-862-5000 — it may still be considered HHW.
Is spray paint (aerosol cans) handled the same way? Empty aerosol paint cans can go in regular trash. Partially full aerosol cans are hazardous waste — take them to HHW at East or Ezell Pike.
What if the paint label has worn off and I cannot tell if it is oil or latex? If you cannot identify the paint, treat it as oil-based (HHW) and take it to East or Ezell Pike. Err on the side of caution.
Can I bring paint that was used by my contractor? Contractor-generated paint waste is commercial and not accepted at residential HHW. The contractor is responsible for disposal.
Are PaintCare drop-off programs available in Nashville? PaintCare may have participating locations in the Nashville area, but this was not confirmed from official city sources. Check paintcare.org or call 615-862-5000.
Am I eligible if I live in a surrounding county (Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Sumner)? No. HHW services are for Davidson County residents only. Check your own county's HHW program or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) HHW locator.
Does Nashville's HHW center accept paint thinner and mineral spirits? Yes. Solvents such as paint thinner and mineral spirits are accepted as HHW at East and Ezell Pike.
Official Verification Checklist
Use this before you load any paint into your vehicle:
- Check paint type — oil-based (HHW) or latex (dry and trash)?
- Call 615-862-5000 — confirm HHW hours, paint acceptance, and any special instructions.
- Choose East or Ezell Pike — Anderson Lane and Omohundro do not take HHW.
- Confirm your load is under 15 gallons or 100 pounds — hard monthly limit.
- Prepare containers — original labels, sealed lids, no leaks, no mixing.
- Pack for transport — upright in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper.
- Bring TN driver's license — must show Davidson County address.
- Confirm hours — Tuesday–Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, check for holiday closures.
- For latex paint — start drying well before trash day.
Sources
- Nashville HHW Collection — Official Program Page — Primary source for oil-based paint HHW rules, locations, and quantity limits.
- Nashville Convenience Center Services — Official hub for all convenience center information.
- Convenience Center Hours and Locations — Hours, addresses, and holiday schedule.
- Nashville Waste Services — 615-862-5000 — HHW questions, latex paint drying guide, current fees.
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation — HHW — State-level HHW resources and county locator.
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Facility policies, fees, and hours change. Always call 615-862-5000 to verify current information before hauling any paint for disposal.