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Paint and Motor Oil Recycling

May through August, Public Works hosts Saturday swap shops for surplus paint, stains & varnishes. They also host drop-offs for used motor oil at public works yards in four neighborhoods. Open to all Boston Residents (Proof of Residency is Required).

Guidelines 

  • Paint and motor oil are NOT accepted from commercial businesses.
  • Paint, stains, varnishes, and thinners not in original containers or with illegible labels will not be accepted.
  • There is a 20 container maximum for drop-offs.
  • No aerosol paint cans will be accepted.  
  • Proof of residency is required.

Paint Swap Shops

Paint which is in good condition is made available to residents for free. Come take free paint from our Swap Shops. We have interior and exterior paint and stains. 

Motor Oil Drop-Off

If you change your own oil, bring used oil from your car, boat, or other vehicle to a drop-off. Do not mix the oil with any other substance. 

Paint Materials

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Latex/Acrylic Paint
Oil Paint
Stains & Varnishes
Paint Thinner

Motor Oil

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Acceptable Materials

Paint Swap & Drop-Off Dates

  • Saturday May 18, 2013 - Roxbury

    9:00AM - 1:00PM
    Roxbury Public Works Yard
    280 Highland Street

  • Saturday June 15, 2013 - Hyde Park

    9:00AM - 1:00PM
    Hyde Park Public Works Yard
    58 Dana Avenue

  • Saturday July 20, 2013 - Brighton

    9:00AM - 1:00PM
    Brighton Public Works Yard
    315 Western Avenue 

  • Saturday August 17, 2013 - East Boston

    9:00AM - 1:00PM
    East Boston Public Works Yard
    320 East Eagle Street

Announcements

  • Waste Reduction E-Newsletter

    Receive email updates about curbside recycling, compost bin sales, yard waste collection, hazardous waste drop-offs, and trash regulations.

    Subscribe Here

    View Past Newsletters

  • Missed Pickup

    If your trash or recycling was not picked up, please call the Mayor's Office (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) at 617-635-4500 or place an online service request by following the link below.

    Report Missed Trash/Recycling/Yard Waste/Bulk Item Pickup

Video

  • Single Stream Recycling

    Mayor Menino announces citywide expansion of the program.

    Watch Video

Related Links