Tumwater residents can clear old paint cans out of their garages for free when a one-day recycling event opens Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7141 Cleanwater Drive SW.

The Port of Olympia, Thurston County and the City of Tumwater are partnering with GreenSheen Paint to host the drop-off, according to the city's Instagram announcement. The drop-off is free. The city's Instagram post calls pre-registration "required to maintain traffic flow," while its post on X frames it as a way to avoid long wait times. Either way, residents can reserve a time slot online.

What you can bring

Latex paint, oil-based paint, stains, varnishes, primers and sealers are all accepted. Every container must be five gallons or smaller, in its original packaging with the manufacturer's label intact and the lid secured.

What stays home

Spray paint cans, solvents, thinners and any leaking containers will be turned away.

Why it matters

Washington is a PaintCare state, which means it is illegal to toss even dried latex paint into regular household trash. Residents must use a recycling program or a year-round drop-off site. The statewide PaintCare program has collected an estimated 4.9 million gallons since launching in April 2021, according to PaintCare's Washington page, but dedicated local events like this one bring the service directly to the neighborhood.

GreenSheen Paint, the national recycling partner, collects leftover architectural paint and turns it into new interior and exterior latex products. The company won the Washington State Recycling Association's Recycler of the Year award for Innovation in 2024.

How to register

Reserve a time slot at circular.eco/event/tumwater. The City of Tumwater posted the event on its social media accounts on Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, urging neighbors to share the word.

Gates open at 9 a.m. Sept. 12 at 7141 Cleanwater Drive SW, Tumwater, WA 98501.