How to dispose of paint in Amsterdam
Paint is Small Chemical Waste (KCA). Drop off at the Chemokar (mobile truck that visits your neighborhood periodically) or a Recycling Point. Empty and dried paint cans may go in regular waste. Liquid paint and turpentine: ALWAYS KCA route. Not down the drain.
Book a pickup on Amsterdam.nl →Here is how
- 1Check the Chemokar routeOn amsterdam.nl/kca find the Chemokar schedule per neighborhood. Visits ~1x per month, you can hand in at the front of your street.
- 2Or: Recycling PointAll 6 Amsterdam Recycling Points accept KCA continuously. Paint in original packaging if possible, otherwise labeled bottle.
- 3Empty cans? Regular wasteA genuinely empty and dried paint can may go in residual waste. Liquid residue: KCA route, even if only a thin layer.
Do / Do not
- Label unknown liquids — e.g. turpentine in a coke bottle is dangerous
- Try using up residues first — leftovers for "small job"
- Bring related products: glue, sealant, stain remover, shoe polish — all KCA
- NEVER down the drain — pollutes water treatment, fine if caught
- Not in residual waste — liquid paint leaks and is flammable
- Do not mix with other chemicals — reaction can create fumes
Or do something better
Most bulk waste still has life. Give or sell before throwing.
Recycling points in Amsterdam
Free for residents with ID + proof of address. All 6 locations accept bulk waste and small chemical waste.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Chemokar come to my neighborhood?
Schedule on amsterdam.nl/kca. Per postcode area 1x per month, usually a fixed day. Central districts more often.
Can an empty paint can go in the regular bin?
Yes, if truly empty and dried. If more than a tablespoon of liquid remains: KCA route.
What about aerosol cans?
Empty cans may go in residual waste. Full or half-full cans: KCA — pressurized packaging may not be compressed in garbage trucks.
Can paint go in glass or plastic recycling?
No. Paint residues in empty bottles or containers contaminate the entire recycling stream. Use the KCA route.