Used Commercial Paint in Surrey? Here’s How to Dispose of It Properly

Leftover paint is a common problem after commercial projects, especially in construction, property maintenance, and retail industries. Warehouses and facilities often end up with shelves full of unused or expired paint cans: latex, oil-based, stains, primers, you name it.

And yet, it’s one of the trickiest things to get rid of responsibly.

Most commercial paints are classified as hazardous waste in BC. That means you can’t throw them in the dumpster and can’t pour them down the drain. Many paints contain solvents, heavy metals, and other ingredients that can contaminate soil and water if not handled correctly.

Knowing how to identify and manage this kind of waste properly is critical, not just for the environment, but to protect your business from fines and compliance issues.

What Makes Paint Hazardous?

It’s not just what’s in the can, it’s what it can do. Common commercial paints often contain:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – which evaporate into the air and contribute to indoor air pollution

• Heavy metals like lead, mercury, or chromium

• Flammable solvents are used in oil-based or industrial coatings

Even water-based (latex) paints can’t be dumped or drained without being dried or treated properly. When in doubt, always treat unused paint like hazardous waste unless it’s confirmed otherwise.

Disposal Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

How paint is disposed of depends on the product's type, volume, and condition. A few dried-out cans? That might be a different route than a full pallet of expired epoxy coatings.

Large volumes of paint must be transported by licensed haulers like TakemyHazWaste and processed at approved hazardous waste facilities. This often means extra paperwork, manifesting, and tracking, especially for commercial quantities.

Some materials may even qualify for recycling or reuse through specialized programs, depending on their composition.

Serving Surrey’s Commercial Sector

Surrey’s business and industrial community is growing fast, and so is the need for safe, reliable waste management. Whether you're closing down a job site, clearing inventory from a warehouse, or simply updating your facility’s compliance practices, it pays to plan for how you’ll handle leftover paint.

At TakemyHazWaste, we work with businesses across Surrey and Metro Vancouver to simplify the process. You identify the waste, we take care of the rest. We offer licensed transportation to the disposal facility, and guidance for paint and other hazardous materials, so your team can stay focused on the job.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Don’t mix paint with other liquids. It complicates disposal and may be unsafe.

• Keep lids sealed to prevent spills and vapour release.

• Label unknown or unmarked containers for proper sorting.

• Store waste paint in a secure, dry area until pickup or drop-off

If you're unsure about what you’re storing or what can be accepted, it’s always best to reach out. A quick call can save time (and potential compliance headaches).

Need Paint Removed from Your Surrey Facility?

We’ve helped local contractors, property managers, and businesses throughout Surrey and Metro Vancouver to clean up their leftover paint safely, legally, and without stress.

Whether it’s a one-time pickup or part of a larger waste cleanup project, TakemyHazWaste makes disposal easy.

Prefer to drop it off instead? All of our hazardous waste transfer stations accept commercial paint, quick, convenient, and no appointment needed for small volumes. Just show up, drop it off, and we’ll handle the rest.

📞 Call us or 🌐 Visit takemyhazwaste.ca to schedule a pickup

No guesswork. No mess. Just proper disposal, done right.