CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (April 1, 2026) – Carteret County is hosting a free latex paint recycling program throughout the month of April. Residents can drop off old or unused paint at two locations: 800 Hibbs Rd. in Newport and 485 Harkers Island Rd. in Otway.

The Carteret County Solid Waste Division continues this yearly project to keep waste out of landfills and help the environment. When residents recycle their latex paint, it can be turned into new paint or other products. This prevents harmful chemicals from leaking into local soil or water. All donated paint will also go to Habitat for Humanity projects to help build local homes.

To join the program, residents should bring paint in its original container with the label still attached. The paint must be in liquid form (paint that has not hardened or become a solid mass) or it will not be accepted. Please note that oil-based paints, solvents like turpentine and creosote and unlabeled cans are not part of this program.

“Recycling paint is a simple way to protect our environment,” Billy Merkley, Public Works director for Carteret County, said. “By keeping these items out of landfills, we are saving natural resources and finding new ways to use old materials.”

If you have items that are not accepted, like oil-based paints, you can bring them to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, April 25.

For more information about the recycling program, visit carteretcountync.gov or call the Public Works Department at 252-648-7878.

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