There will be five paint recycling events held in Missouri this November. They take place in Clayton (Nov 6 and Nov 7), Jefferson County (Nov 7), Hazelwood (Nov 14), and Ellisville (Nov 19). They are all drive-through events and allow latex paint, water-based stains, and primers in original packaging. They all cost $1.00 per pound except for the event in Hazelwood, where the first 30 pounds are free.
If you have old cans stored in your garage, this is your opportunity to get rid of them.
What Are Paint Recycling Events?
The process of paint recycling involves the creation of paint recycling events that allow residents to bring their old paint to the designated location where it will be weighed on-site before being recycled rather than dumped into landfills or drainage systems.
The need for latex paint recycling arises from the chemical nature of paint, which is harmful to the environment when disposed of improperly. Paint recycling allows the repurposing of paint into new paint products.
November Paint Recycling Events at a Glance
| Date | City | Time | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov 6 | Clayton | 7:30 am – 12:00 pm | Shaw Park, 27 S Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105 | $1.00 per lb |
| Sat, Nov 7 | Clayton | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm | Shaw Park, 27 S Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105 | $1.00 per lb |
| Sat, Nov 7 | Jefferson County (Jeff Co Storm Dept) | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Location to be announced | $1.00 per lb; may be offset by a grant |
| Sat, Nov 14 | Hazelwood | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | 1186 Teson Rd, Hazelwood, MO 63042 | First 30 lbs free, then $1.00 per lb |
| Thu, Nov 19 | Ellisville | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | Bluebird Park, 225 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ellisville, MO 63021 | $1.00 per lb |
What Paint Can You Bring?
All items used during the annual November event use only:
- Latex paint
- Water-based stain
- Primers
Everything should be in its original container. Organizers may refuse any item not listed above.
Items not accepted: oil paint, spray paint, commercial paint, unidentified liquids, dented/leaking cans, Drylok, and solvents.
Can’t tell if your paint is latex? Check for “Latex,” “Water-Based,” or “Soap & Water Clean-Up” on the can.
How Much Does It Cost?
The vast majority of the events are full-price events charging you a dollar for every pound of paint, and your paint will be weighed at the event location. The price depends on the weight of the paint, so if you take just a couple of cans, the price won’t be very high.
Two events have special pricing policies:
- Hazelwood (November 14): The first 30 pounds of paint are free, and then the price is $1.00 per pound. This is available for the first 220 cars that come. It is funded by St. Louis County.
- Jefferson County (November 7): The $1.00 per pound charge can be reduced with a grant, if one is received. Information about this grant will be published on the event page.
Payment methods accepted are cash, check, and credit cards.
What Should You Know Before You Go?
- It is a drive-through. Park your car, and the people will take care of your cans from there.
- Get to the event early. There is a limit of 220 cars for the free can offer.
- Find the address in Jefferson County. The Nov 7th address was not released yet at the time this article was written, so verify the address.
- Don’t bring the wrong type of paint. Oil paint, spray cans, and open/leaking cans will be turned away.
- Pack your cans properly. Seal your cans and transport them upright.
Where Do Most Paint Recycling Events Happen?
Paint recycling programs occur in three locations: St. Louis, St. Charles, and Jefferson County.
- St. Louis: Here is where most November programs will occur. Clayton, Hazelwood, and Ellisville are all in St. Louis, so there are multiple options for those living in that area.
- Jefferson County: There is a Jefferson County Storm Department program taking place on Nov 7 in Jefferson County for people who live south of the city.
- St. Charles: There are no paint recycling programs occurring in St. Charles in November, however, it does fall under the service area, so you can go to the events page to find out when some will be coming up.
Want a Paint Recycling Event in Your Neighborhood?
Companies, schools, and community groups can apply for a pickup event using the “Host an Event” form where you specify your location and desired date. The cities, HOAs, and neighborhoods in St. Louis, St. Charles, and Jefferson County can make it easy for their citizens to recycle paint. Paint will not be landfilled, and the neighbors will not need to travel far.
Conclusion: Give Your Old Paint a Second Life
This November, five drive-through paint recycling events across the St. Louis area and Jefferson County make it easy to clear out your garage. Check the date and location closest to you, bring latex paint, stain, or primer in its original cans, and drive away knowing your leftovers won’t pollute local soil and water.
Missed the dates, or want to bring an event to your community? Paint Busters Recycling handles latex paint recycling through collection events and pickup service. Contact them at 314-936-5880 or info@paintbustersrecycling.com, or visit recyclepaintnow.com for the latest event list.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to register for a drive-through event?
The event pages don’t list a registration requirement. Just show up during the event hours with your paint in its original container. - Can I bring oil-based paint?
No. Oil-based paint, spray cans, and solvents are not accepted. - Can I pay by card?
Yes. Cash, check, and credit card are accepted. -
What if I can’t make an event?
Paint Busters Recycling also offers a paid pickup service. You register online, choose a date, and the team contacts you with a pickup window. - Is it OK to throw latex paint in the trash?
Rules vary by community. Some allow fully dried latex paint in household trash, but recycling is the more environmentally responsible choice.
