A half-used can of paint sitting in the garage feels harmless. The moment it goes down a drain or into the trash, it starts a completely different story. Chemicals seep into soil, drinking water gets contaminated, and local wildlife pays the price. Most people don’t mean to cause harm. They just don’t know there’s a better option sitting right around the corner.
That’s exactly why Paint Busters Recycling organizes paint recycling events across St. Louis, St. Charles, and Jefferson County. These events give residents a simple, safe way to drop off leftover latex paint instead of pouring it out or tossing it in the garbage. Much of what gets collected is reprocessed into usable paint again, giving it a second life instead of a spot in a landfill.
In this post, we’ll walk through the 2026 event details: what you can bring, what’s off-limits, and how to get ready before you show up.
Paint Busters Recycling & 2026 Paint Recycling Event
Paint Busters Recycling was founded by a painting professional with more than 20 years of industry experience, after noticing how much latex paint sat unused in garages, basements, and maintenance buildings with no easy way to recycle it. The company was created to address that gap.
Based in Foristell, Missouri, Paint Busters Recycling serves homeowners, contractors, and communities across St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas. The 2026 paint recycling events are part of this service, offering residents a free, drive-through option to drop off leftover latex paint without scheduling a pickup.
- Location coverage: events are hosted across multiple counties, including St. Louis, St. Charles, and Jefferson County.
- Format: drive-through collection, no appointment required.
- Processing: collected paint is sorted and, when possible, reprocessed into usable paint.
- Environmental impact: reduces paint waste in landfills and limits contamination of soil and waterways.
City of Hazelwood – November 14
Venue: City of Hazelwood, 1186 Teson Rd, Hazelwood, MO 63042
Timing: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
This drive-through collection takes place on November 14, hosted by the City of Hazelwood. The first 30 pounds of paint are free, with a $1.00 per pound charge after that, available to the first 220 cars while funding lasts. The event is funded through a grant from St. Louis County, and materials are weighed on site, with cash, check, or credit card accepted.
City of Ellisville – November 19
Venue: Ellisville Bluebird Park, 225 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ellisville, MO 63021
Timing: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Rounding out the 2026 schedule, the City of Ellisville hosts a drive-through collection at Bluebird Park on November 19. This is a full-fee event at $1.00 per pound, with materials weighed on site, and cash, check, or credit card accepted for payment.
City of Brentwood – December 5
Venue: City of Brentwood, 2505 S Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, MO 63144
Timing: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The collection of latex paints at this drive-through will happen on December 5 and is being sponsored by the City of Brentwood. The first 30 pounds are free of charge, but it is $1.00 per pound above this (for the first 160 cars only as long as funds last). The program is being financed using grant money from St. Louis County. Payment can be made using cash, check, or credit cards.
City of Ellisville – December 10
Venue: Ellisville Bluebird Park, 225 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ellisville, MO 63021
Timing: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
The Drive Through Latex Paint Collection will take place on December 10 at the Ellisville Bluebird Park. It will be organized by the City of Ellisville. This event is a full fee event and charges $1.00 per pound of latex paint collected. Payment can be made in cash, check or credit card.
City of Bellefontaine Neighbors – December 12
Venue: To be determined (location details not yet announced)
Timing: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
A third event is scheduled for December 12 through the efforts of the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors. This will also be a full fee event with an event charge of $1.00 per pound based on materials weighed on-site. The cost may be offset by a grant from St. Louis County, which will be provided if the city receives the grant.
What These Events Accept
Every 2026 paint recycling event sticks to the same guidelines, so residents know exactly what to bring no matter which location they visit. Latex and water-based products are the focus, and cans should stay sealed in their original packaging until drop-off.
- Latex paint
- Water-based stain
- Primers
Note: All cans must be in the original container.
What These Events Don’t Accept
A handful of materials get turned away at every site, mostly because they require specialized handling outside the scope of these drive-through collections. Checking this list beforehand saves a wasted trip and keeps the line moving for everyone else.
- Oil-based paint
- Spray cans
- Industrial paint
- Unknown liquids
- Open or leaking cans
- Drylok
- Solvents
How to Prepare Your Paint Before the Event
Nobody wants to drive to a collection site only to get turned away at the gate. A few minutes of prep at home is all it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Start by opening each can and checking the paint itself. If it stirs back to a smooth, even texture with no strong odor, it’s still good to go. Paint that’s lumpy, stringy, or separated beyond saving should be left out and dried completely before disposal, since dried latex paint can usually go out with regular household trash instead.
For paint that is being dropped off, a bit of handling makes the process smoother:
- Keep the lid sealed tightly so nothing spills during the drive over
- Keep colors and paint types separate rather than mixed together in one can
- Pack cans upright in the trunk or backseat to avoid tipping
Getting this sorted before leaving home means a quicker drop-off and one less thing to worry about once you’re in line.
Attend a Paint Recycling Event with Paint Busters Recycling
Every can of paint dropped off at one of these events is one less can sitting in a landfill, one less risk to local waterways, and one step toward a cleaner St. Louis, St. Charles, and Jefferson County. It’s a small action that adds up fast when an entire community gets involved.
Whether it’s a few leftover cans from last year’s touch-ups or a garage full of old paint that’s been pushed aside for too long, these events make responsible disposal easy and accessible. No complicated steps, no guesswork — just a quick drive-through drop-off that keeps paint out of the trash and gives it a real chance at a second life.
Find the date and location nearest you and come prepared. Check the full 2026 event schedule and mark the next one on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need an appointment for a paint recycling event?
No. Events are drive-through, so just arrive during the event hours with your paint. If you’d rather not go to an event, you can schedule a paid pickup instead. - Is there a cost to drop off paint at an event?
Yes, most events charge $1.00 per pound, and your paint is weighed on site. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted. - Can I bring oil-based paint to these events?
No. Events accept only latex paint, water-based stains and primers, all in their original containers. Oil-based paint, spray cans, industrial paint, Drylok and solvents are turned away. - How much paint can I bring per visit?
Bring as much latex paint as you have. You’re charged by weight, so the cost scales with the amount. - What if there’s no event near me yet?
Book a paid paint pickup online and our team will schedule a time with you. You can also call 314-936-5880 and we’ll point you to the next closest event.
