When disposing of paint, be sure to dispose of it correctly as to avoid contaminating your refuse and landfills.
Latex paint can be disposed of with your regular refuse collection once it is completely solid. To speed up the drying process, remove the paint lid and mix in sawdust, cat litter, or shredded paper. Keep the paint in a well-ventilated area until it is completely solid. When you dispose of it, ensure to keep the lid off.
To avoid the hassle associated with disposing of latex paint, contact Got Paint? Pickup at www.gotpaintpickup.com or by calling 312-882-7266.
Oil-based paint cannot be disposed of in regular refuse collection. Household Hazardous Waste collections are coordinated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and you can view their collection schedule and other resources here.
Lead-based paint also has strict disposal procedures, and you can learn more about them through the IEPA website.
The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) is another great resource for any refuse and recycling related inquiries. Their Chemical and Paint Disposal webpage touch on the acceptable hazardous waste materials for refuse and recycling, as well as information on the IEPA's collection program.