What to Do with Old Paint and Household Chemicals in Central Ohio

Cleaning out a garage or basement usually uncovers old paint cans, motor oil, pesticides, and other household chemicals.

The Direct Answer: Wet liquid paint and hazardous chemicals are banned from all Central Ohio landfills. Latex paint is only accepted in regular trash if it has been dried out completely using cat litter, sawdust, or paint hardener.

In this guide, you will learn the exact regulations for Logan, Hardin, Delaware, and Franklin counties, discover how to safely dry out latex paint, and see where to locate hazardous waste collection days.

The Problem: Landfill Bans & Wet Paint Restrictions

Liquid household waste—including oil-based paint, stains, solvents, lawn chemicals, and automotive fluids—is banned from standard landfills. Standard garbage trucks will not accept them. Latex paint is only accepted if it is completely dried out. Leaving wet paint cans in your trash can lead to paint leaking all over your driveway and street when the truck compacts the load.

Safe, Local Disposal Methods

• Latex Paint Drying: Mix cat litter, sawdust, or commercial paint hardener into the latex paint can. Once it is completely solid, you can place it in your regular trash with the lid off.
• County Hazardous Waste Collection:
  • Franklin County: Take chemicals to SWACO's permanent household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center in Columbus.
  • Delaware, Logan & Hardin Counties: Participate in annual or semi-annual county toxic waste drop-off days.

Case Study: Delaware Garage Cleanup

Recently, our crew cleared a garage in Delaware, OH, that contained 40 old cans of paint, agricultural fertilizers, and outdated motor oil. We sorted the latex paint, hardened it on-site using commercial agents, and transported the oil and chemicals to the authorized recycling station, saving the homeowner multiple weekend trips and ensuring environmental compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Chemical Disposal

Never pour motor oil, paint thinner, or chemical pesticides down storm drains, sinks, or directly onto the soil; doing so damages local ecology and is a federal EPA violation. Always leave dried paint lids off so trash collectors can verify that the contents are solid.

Pro Tip: Oil-based paints, varnishes, and paint thinners cannot be dried out and thrown in regular trash. They must go to a licensed hazardous waste recycling facility.

Complete Garage & Basement Cleanouts

Avoid the headache of sorting hazardous chemicals and hauling heavy paint cans. Let a licensed professional handle the drying, sorting, and disposal for you.