The short answer
Published by John Fox, BinDay. Last updated 29 October 2026.
MyWaste directs empty paint tins and containers to a designated drop-off or civic amenity site. Leftover paint needs a site that accepts paint. Check the label because paint may be hazardous. Solvent-based paint, thinners and white spirit must use the hazardous-waste route at a civic amenity site.
Last checked 29 October 2026 by BinDay against the sources below. This guide covers the Republic of Ireland; bin colours and collector instructions can differ.
Why this answer
MyWaste gives empty paint cans their own disposal route. Do not apply the household food-tin rule to paint containers. Check the receiving site accepts your type of paint and container.
Usable non-hazardous paint can be donated for reuse through some civic amenity sites. MyWaste also describes a general-waste option for a very small hardened paint residue, but solvent-based paint, thinners and white spirit must be handled as hazardous waste. Ask the site if unsure.
What to do
- Check the paint label and whether any paint remains in the container.
- Confirm a designated drop-off or civic amenity site accepts the paint or empty tins.
- Use the hazardous-waste service for solvent-based paint, paint thinner and white spirit.
Common mistake to avoid
An empty metal paint tin does not automatically follow the food-can recycling rule.
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Sources and local checks
For a collection point, check what it accepts before travelling. For household-bin instructions, find your collector. How BinDay checks sources and corrects mistakes.
Council pages for this item
Irish local authorities license private collectors rather than running household bin rounds. Use the council page for civic amenity and official waste links, then confirm your collector.