Where to Safely Dispose of Paint, Tires, and Hazardous Materials in Columbus – A CleanOutPro Guide

If you've ever cleaned out a garage, prepped for a renovation, or tackled a major decluttering project, you've likely run into the same problem many Columbus residents face: what to do with old paint cans, worn-out tires, or containers of mysterious chemicals that can't just be tossed in the trash. These items are considered hazardous waste and require proper disposal to protect the environment and keep our neighborhoods clean.

At CleanOutPro, we encounter this issue all the time. As a company deeply rooted in the Columbus community, we’re committed not only to helping our clients with cleanouts and demolition but also to guiding them toward responsible waste management. That’s why we put together this simple guide to help you understand where and how to dispose of common hazardous materials in our city.

Paint Disposal

For latex (water-based) paints, the best practice is to dry them out before placing them in your regular trash. Once the paint is solid, it’s no longer a liquid hazard and can be safely discarded. However, oil-based paints and solvents require special handling and must be dropped off at certified hazardous waste facilities. These locations typically accept paints, thinners, and related products during designated hours and at no cost to residents.

Tire Recycling

Tires should never end up in a landfill or a backyard pile. Columbus offers special tire drop-off events throughout the summer, allowing residents to dispose of them safely and for free. These events are organized by the city and local environmental authorities and are a great opportunity to clear out old tires while helping keep our community cleaner and greener.

Hazardous Household Waste

Materials like pesticides, automotive fluids, batteries, cleaners, and pool chemicals fall under household hazardous waste and can be extremely harmful if disposed of improperly. Columbus operates permanent and seasonal drop-off sites to handle these materials safely. These facilities ensure that harmful chemicals are processed or neutralized in a way that prevents them from entering our waterways or soil.

At CleanOutPro, we don't just haul away junk—we help our customers take the next step in responsible cleanup. Whether you're preparing for a residential demolition, clearing out a property, or managing a large-scale cleanout, we’ll always help you determine the right way to handle what’s left behind. And if you're ever unsure about whether an item can go in the dumpster or needs special handling, just ask—we're here to help.

Our mission is to make the cleanup process as safe and stress-free as possible, for both our customers and our planet. Because when we take care of our waste responsibly, we're also taking care of Columbus.