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How Do I Dispose of Paint in Portland?

Posted on July 24, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025

Rachel Monahan

paint cans stacked outside in front of a green background

This stack of old paint cans awaits a trip to the free disposal sites. (Rachel Monahan/City Cast Portland)

🎨 Free Paint Disposal

You can get rid of a surprising amount of paint for free: up to 35 gallons of house paint every day. And Oregon businesses (not just individuals) can get in on this deal.

🗑️ Where?

Any day of the week except Sundays (and major holidays), you can bring your paint to the regional government Metro, which is the agency in charge of garbage in the Portland area, at these locations:

♻️ Feel Good

You can feel good about it too; it’s put to reuse if possible (see below).

🖌️ Details, Details

🎨 Bonus: You Can Buy Repurposed Paint

  • Metro also mixes its own paints from what it collects, sorted for quality and color, and tinted with care. (I’ve never done it, but it seems like an awesome way to get paint.)
  • Visit the MetroPaint Outlet (open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Saturday, in Swan Island). It’s $18 for a gallon of one of their standard colors (there are a dozen). They also sell some exclusive colors and have extra deals sometimes.
  • Find a location near you in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho that sells it.

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