If you’re a painter, renovator, or facility manager clearing out a paint store, the question isn’t just “how do I get rid of these tins?” — it’s whether the paint inside is still wet. That one detail changes the correct disposal pathway, and getting it wrong can turn a routine clean-out into a compliance issue.

Is Wet Paint Classified as Hazardous Waste in Victoria?

Yes. Any tin with liquid paint still inside — even a small amount — is classified as hazardous waste in Victoria. This applies to both water-based and oil-based paints, though oil-based and solvent-heavy paints carry a higher hazard rating due to their flammability and chemical content (similar to the solvent waste we’ve covered previously). Wet paint cans cannot go in general skips or landfill bins. They need to be collected by a licensed hazardous waste contractor, or dropped at an approved facility if quantities are small.

Can You Throw Away Dry, Hardened Paint Cans?

Often, yes — but only once the paint has fully cured. Paint that has completely dried and solidified inside the tin is generally treated differently, and many councils and facilities accept the empty container as scrap metal or general waste. The catch: “dry” needs to mean fully solid, not just crusted over the top with wet paint underneath — a mistake we outline in our post on common waste disposal myths.

How Should Businesses Store Paint Waste Before Collection?

Keep wet and dry tins in separate, clearly labelled areas away from heat sources, ignition points, and stormwater drains. Store cans upright with lids secured to prevent leaks, and avoid stacking heavy tins on top of lighter ones. Proper on-site storage reduces spill risk and makes the eventual pickup faster and safer for everyone involved.

Why This Matters for Businesses

For trade and commercial volumes, sorting wet from dry before collection speeds up processing and keeps you compliant with EPA Victoria’s waste classification guidelines. If you’re unsure how to classify what’s in your paint store, MD Recovery’s hazardous waste disposal Melbourne team can assess and collect it correctly the first time.

Not sure which category your paint waste falls into? Get in touch for a quick assessment and quote.