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There’s no argument about the potential damage and environmental impact of the painting industry. Our job as stewards is to make smart decisions for the future.
It’s reported that British Columbians recycle over 2 million liters of paint each year. Thats over 500,000 gallons of household paint, just think, enough to paint more than 5000 Boeing 747’s! And this, doesn’t even include the small amounts of paint and plastics left behind on the average job site! So once you see the big picture, these small amounts tell a pretty clear story.Every paint retail store in BC retains a small deposit fee with every purchase, put aside for the future recycling and disposal of that product. This is an integrated stewardship program initiated by the local and provincial governments to create a future of Zero Waste. Our production standards are based on the respect of nature and the balance between quality painting and sustainable practices.
Just as every drop of paint tells a story, so does every can—and not just in colour, but in cost. When you purchase new paint or paint containers, you’ll notice a small environmental handling fee tacked on at checkout. That fee isn’t arbitrary; it’s there to help cover the costs of safely recycling both the paint and its packaging, nudging us all a little closer to that ‘Zero Waste’ future we’re aiming for.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay based on the size of your paint container:
These fees are rolled into your purchase at places like Home Depot, Benjamin Moore, or Dulux Paints, making it simple to participate in responsible waste management. It might seem modest, but collectively, it’s a critical step in ensuring that old paint (and its packaging) doesn’t end up in the wrong place.
Throughout our 15 years of quality painting and community service to Victoria, Top Coat Painting has promoted environmental awareness. Effective project management, smart product purchases and the proper systems of disposal and handling paint and debris are some of the ways we are trying to reduce the effects of our industry.
One small way Top Coat Painting is making a local environmental difference is by offering their complimentary Curbside Paint Pick-Up and removal of all old and unwanted paint off your property and recycling them at the designated Product Care centers. This not only saves you time and effort but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Our Curbside Paint Pick-Up recycling service is not exclusive to Top Coat Painting clients only. With a minimum donation of $10, Top Coat Painting will come to your address and pick up and recycle your unwanted collection of interior and exterior paints. This donation goes directly to the Firefighter’s Burn Fund which houses families undergoing treatment for burn injuries.
All you need to do is contact Top Coat Painting and we’ll arrange a time to deliver prompt and professional service while cleaning up your community one house at a time. With environmental initiatives like this, we can reduce the pollution and make better decisions for the future!
Hartland Recycling Depot
#1 Hartland Avenue, Victoria
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 7am-2pm
Ellice Recycle Ltd.
516 David, Victoria
Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5pm,
Sat & Sun 8:30am-5pm
Oak Bay Recycling Depot
1771 Elgin Road, Victoria
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm Sat 8am-12pm
If you’re a commercial painter or business with a stockpile of leftover paint and empty cans, recycling is just as straightforward—and important—for you as it is for homeowners. Keeping those materials out of the landfill not only keeps our city cleaner, but also aligns your business with eco-friendly practices your clients will appreciate.
Here’s how you can make it happen:
By taking a little time to plan for proper disposal, your business can support waste reduction, uphold community standards, and even impress environmentally conscious customers. Now, let’s take a closer look at what types of paint can be recycled.
If you’re a commercial painter or contractor facing the daunting task of recycling sizable amounts of paint or empty paint cans, you’re not left out of the loop. Beyond household drop-offs, there are a handful of solutions designed specifically with commercial generators in mind:
By taking advantage of these commercial-friendly options, you’ll not only clear out your storage, but also make a meaningful contribution toward keeping paint out of local landfills and supporting broader environmental goals.
What kind of paint is accepted for recycling?
Almost all kinds of household paints are recyclable. Please see the link below for detailed information for acceptable paint products.
To give you a better idea, here’s a general list of the types of paints and related products you can typically recycle through local programs and depots like Hartland Recycling Depot, Ellice Recycle Ltd., and Oak Bay Recycling Depot:
Accepted Paint Products
Always double-check with your local recycling depot or Product Care centre for the most up-to-date list, as accepted items occasionally change. Properly recycling these products helps keep hazardous materials out of landfills and supports a cleaner, greener community.
Once collected, leftover paints go through a careful sorting process. Latex paints, if they're still in liquid form, can often be re-blended into usable, recycled paint—giving them a second life on new projects and keeping them out of the landfill. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, are managed differently. These are typically processed so they can be used as alternative fuel blends or incorporated into industrial products like cement. Even partially dried or solid paints can be put to use in this way, ensuring minimal waste and a positive impact on both our local environment and broader sustainability efforts.
Once you’ve dropped off your empty paint cans at a recycling depot, the journey doesn’t end there. Metal paint containers are broken down and processed into new building materials—think items like rebar that help reinforce concrete in construction projects. Meanwhile, plastic paint containers are cleaned and transformed into a variety of new molded products, giving them a second life in everything from garden furniture to storage bins. By returning those empty cans, you’re helping to keep valuable materials circulating and cutting down on waste headed to local landfills.
After you’ve dropped off your old paint at a collection site, that paint doesn’t just sit around. The recycling process ensures the leftovers are put to good use in a variety of interesting ways:
The end result? Less waste, more resourcefulness, and products that support a circular economy—right here in our own communities.
Yes—empty aerosol cans that once contained paint can be recycled at most depots accepting household hazardous waste, including the Product Care centers listed above. Be sure cans are completely empty before recycling, and never puncture or attempt to crush them yourself. For partially full aerosol paint cans, bring them to a designated recycling facility where staff can safely manage leftover contents. Always follow depot guidelines to ensure safe and responsible recycling.
Yes, most common primers, sealers, and undercoats used for residential projects—including those for decks, floors, porches, patios, and fences—are accepted by local recycling depots. This also includes wood finishing oils, stains, and various finishes typically found around the home.
Just be sure these products are in their original, well-sealed containers with labels intact. If you’re unsure whether a particular product is eligible, check the comprehensive guidelines provided at the link below or contact your nearest depot for clarification.
When it comes to recycling paint, most household architectural coatings can be included. These typically cover:
You can also bring in empty paint cans and aerosol paint spray cans. Just make sure the lids are secure and the containers aren’t leaking.
For more detailed lists and acceptable products, check the links below.
If you come across old paint that's bulging, leaking, missing its label, or has been transferred to a different container, it may not be accepted at most recycling depots. Before you load up, it's best to call your local recycling center—like Hartland Recycling Depot, Ellice Recycle Ltd., or Oak Bay Recycling Depot—to double-check whether they'll accept these tricky items. They can guide you on safe disposal options or direct you to specialized drop-off locations, so you can ensure your paint is handled responsibly and doesn’t become an environmental hazard.
In addition to standard household paints, several other paint-related products are accepted for recycling. You can bring the following items to participating recycling depots:
If you’re ever unsure whether your product is eligible, check the detailed guidelines at your local recycling depot or ask us directly for advice. With a little effort, even those cans hiding at the back of your garage or studio can get a new lease on life—without adding to landfill.
Many specialty coatings and textured paints can indeed be recycled, though there are a few specifics to keep in mind. This includes products like:
Before bringing in these types of coatings, it’s a good idea to double-check with your local recycling depot or Product Care center about their accepted materials list, as requirements can vary slightly. Generally, if it’s a household paint or coating (not industrial or two-part epoxies), there’s a strong chance it can find new life through recycling. This helps ensure even those trickier cans hiding in your garage can stay out of the landfill.
You might be wondering if the half-used bucket of sealer gathering dust in your garage can join the recycling party. Good news—most non-tar, non-bitumen based sealers are welcome! Here’s a quick rundown of what makes the cut:
Just remember, oil-based and tar or bitumen-based sealers aren’t recyclable through these programs. As always, please double-check with your local recycling depot or Product Care center if you’re unsure. This way, your efforts help keep hazardous products out of the landfill and the environment a little cleaner for everyone.
A wide variety of top coats can be accepted at local recycling depots. These include both water-based and solvent-based options commonly found in households and workshops. Materials such as glazes, pre-catalyzed and nitrocellulose lacquers, waterborne lacquers, polyurethanes, varnishes, urethanes, shellac, and products based on shellac are typically recyclable.
If you’ve finished a project and have leftover cans of these finishes sitting in the garage, don’t toss them in the regular trash—most can be safely recycled! Just make sure the containers are properly sealed and labelled, then drop them off at any of the designated recycling locations in Victoria.
If you’re ever uncertain, you can always check the detailed guides provided by your local recycling centers or get in touch with us for clarification.
The following links provide an abundance of information regarding environmental initiatives in your local community.
British Columbia’s Recycling Handbook
Recycling Council of British Columbia
Product Care
British Columbia Ministry of Environment
CRD – Household Hazardous Waste Info
To help guide your recycling efforts, detailed information about eligible paint products, accepted materials, and current recycling fees can be found through the following resources:
These references provide everything you need to know—from the types of paint and related products you can recycle, to clear definitions and associated environmental fees. This helps ensure your next trip to the depot is smooth, informed, and hassle-free.
