Residential recycling and disposal search tool

Nail polish and nail polish remover

How to safely dispose of nail polish and nail polish remover

Use extra caution

Be careful when handling and preparing this item for disposal. Follow the instructions below for proper disposal.

Nail polish

Nail polish remover

How to dispose

There are two ways to dispose of nail polish and nail polish remover depending on if they are empty or still have product inside.

Bottles still containing product

  • Take to a household hazardous waste drop-off location

Safely dispose of nail polish and nail polish remover for free at a household hazardous waste drop-off location (designated fire hall).


Empty bottles

  • Put into your blue cart or take to a community recycling depot

Put empty or dried out nail polish and nail polish remover bottles: 

  • Into your blue cart for recycling
  • Take to a community recycling depot

Special instructions

  • Never flush chemicals down your toilet, sink or drain as they harm the environment and may damage the pipes in your home.
  • Leave the lids on the containers. 

Map of community recycling depots