Where to Dispose of Old Latex Paint

Even when you do your best to calculate how much paint you'll need for your project, you can end up with a gallon or two extra. It's better to have a little more than not enough, anyway. However, now you've got a collection of left over paint. Where should you put it?

Use It Ip

Use it on another project. Flat latex paint makes a good primer, so if you've got some leftover light-colored flat latex for another light colored painting project, use it for that. Use it on a home art project for your kids. Let them make hand prints on a playroom wall or bedroom door.

Dry It Out

Dry it completely, and throw it away in your regular trash. It must be dried to avoid spilling onto roads and trash collection vehicles. Many landfills will not accept liquid latex.

Kitty Litter and Paint

Pour the paint into a box with clean kitty litter. Allow the mixture to fully dry, and recycle the empty paint containers and lids. Toss out the dried up paint and kitty litter with the rest of your garbage.

You can also purchase a paint hardening product. See Resources below for a link.

Give It Away

Donate your paint to a school or to a community project. Find out if they'll accept opened cans of paint.

Return It

Check with your home improvement store or hardware store. Some are willing to accept unopened cans of paint for resale.

Resources

• Paint Hardener