Are there cans of paint hanging around in your basement or garage? Once the painting project is over, what should you do with your leftover paint?
If you have at least half a can of paint left and it’s still usable, please donate it to a local collection or pass it on to a friend or neighbor. But maybe the paint is no longer usable, or there is just a little left in the can. Then what?
It is important to dispose of paint properly because paint can contaminate soil and groundwater. Liquid paint should never be disposed of in the trash, but you can harden latex (water-based) paint and then dispose of it. Please note: Oil-based paints are hazardous waste and cannot go in your regular trash.
Latex paint is not considered hazardous in its dried form. If you have a small amount of paint or it is unusable, let it dry by leaving the lid off the can or by adding kitty litter, sand, shredded newspaper, or sawdust to harden it. You can also purchase paint-drying crystals or granules to speed up the drying process. Once hardened, the dried-out paint can, with the lid off, can be disposed at the curb. Just be sure to check with your local waste hauler to make certain they accept dried paint in your regular waste collection.
Oil-based paint, stains, and varnishes are hazardous in any form. Contact your local solid waste management authority for information about disposal options in your area and the dates of upcoming household hazardous waste collection events. For more, read Be Safe With Your Hazardous Waste.
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