Home Depot does take empty paint cans. See their official policy below: Accepted Items Empty aerosol cans, spray paint cans and other small metal containers Empty paint cans Accepted Conditions Home Depot only accepts empty aerosol cans and spray paint cans that are completely drained of their contents. Also, the cans must be clean, free of rust and damage, and free of paint and other liquids. Finally, the cap must be removed and the can must be free of propellant residues. They don't allow you to reuse the cans, it must be empty. The container cannot be a commercial paint can or container. Other than that, they will gladly take it.