How to Properly Dispose of Paint

♦ Disposing of Latex Paint ♦
♦ Using Paint Hardener ♦
♦ Disposing of Oil Based Paints ♦
♦ Using Leftover Paint ♦
♦ Hazards of Paint ♦
♦ How to Buy Just Enough Paint ♦
♦ Non Toxic Paints ♦

To properly dispose of latex paint, the container needs to be completely emptied. To safely do this, you can purchase paint hardener to solidify the paint, or you can even use kitty litter, mulch or shredded paper from your paper shredder. Once the paint has dried, you can easily scoop the paint out. Dried latex paint can be disposed of in the rubbish. Metal paint cans can be disposed of as well, and recycled if empty. Consider using all of the paint before disposing of it, whether it be by touching up or adding an extra coat of paint to your wall. It's easier, more practical, safer, and economical...not to mention you'll be saving space, and yourself the trouble of having to dry the paint!

Intro photo of paint bucket spill art by Photocapy.
Picture of paint bucket House of Sims.

For disposal of oil-based paint, you should bring the paint to a local recycling station. You may want to call before visiting, since they all have different policies on what they do with oil based paint. Oil-based paint is either incinerated or recycled by actually using the paint, or repackaging the paint to give back to customers. All labels must be intact for disposal instructions. Read this to see the required techniques of disposal. Ultimately, it is best for the consumer to use the entire can of paint.

Picture of paint roller by Photocapy.

So you have plenty of leftover paint from your paint project? The first thing you should do is think of other things that may need to be painted. Maybe your garage interior could use a new coat, or your closets? How about an old piece of furniture down in the cellar? You could breathe new life into it with a quick coat of paint! How about the dog house or the tool shed? Since there is no easy way to dispose of paint, it is best to use it up. Here's another idea: donations. Your local school, church, town office, or shelter may be able to use that paint. Ask friends, they may need a fresh coat of paint for something and you could help!

Picture of used paint roller brush Kasia/Flickr.

Acrylic paint for the most part, is considered not as harmful to the environment. However, animals can ingest acrylic paint causing harm. Therefore, it is very important to dispose of any paint properly. Paint produced before 1992 may contain mercury, and paint from the 1970s or earlier may contain lead. Be extra cautious with these paints.

Picture of used paint cans by Rsgranne.

A good estimate of how much paint you will need is to measure the square footage of the area. Tape measure the entire area, and multiply the two lengths together to find the square footage. One gallon will roughly cover 400-450 square feet in one coat. By using this estimate, you can purchase paint based on how many coats and walls you need to cover. This should cut down on leftovers. Plan ahead, and have other things in mind to paint if you do have small amounts of leftovers.

Picture of paint can by eMaringolo.

Buying the right type of paint in the first place may have a number of benefits. For instance, painted walls may have low level emissions years after application. Paint fumes have been linked to headaches and migraines in some cases. Earth-friendly, low emission paints are now available. Not only is it better for humans, but it's better for the outdoors as well! You can try a company that can ship directly to you, like realmilkpaint.com or americanpridepaint.com Check your local paint store to see what variety they may have. Larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe's may not offer the organic variety, so you may want to call your local paint store first.

Remember to buy just enough, use the most you can, donate leftovers, or if absolutely necessary, bring the remainder of your oil-based paint to the recycling station. Acrylic paint can be disposed of through the methods above.

Photo right by fab4chiky.