Buzz
Unused paint isn't just an unnecessary expense—it can also be harmful to the environment. While many large cities offer clear instructions for recycling leftover paint, even more appealing is the fact that some cities offer the recycled paint for free.
A Reddit user shared this helpful tip, saying:
I live in a city with a paint recycling program. People bring in their unused paint, and it’s given out in 5-gallon buckets on a first-come, first-served basis. You just need to show proof of residency, like a water bill and ID. Of course, color choices are limited, but for those on a budget and flexible about shades, this can be a real money-saver.
This service isn’t available in every city, but the Live Well Network confirms it’s offered in places like Houston. There, residents can visit the city’s Environmental Service Center on Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm to pick up recycled paint for free (first-come, first-served). Some cities have restrictions, like requiring income qualifications or limiting the paint’s use to exterior surfaces (as seen in Mesa’s paint program). Below are some other cities that have similar programs:
Austin, Texas
Wichita, Kansas
Charlottesville, VA
Kansas City, MO (not free, but $20 for 5 gallons)
If you're looking to save some money, it's worth reaching out to your city to see if they offer a similar program. For further details, be sure to check out Live Well’s post linked below.
Photo by Scott Lewis.
