- If you have a few extra cans of leftover latex paint, don't throw them out---you may be able to have your paint remade afresh, so that you or other people can use it in new painting projects. The first step in recycling old latex paint into new involves finding out whether your community has a paint recycling program. You can check for recycling programs at Earth911 (see Resources) or contact your local recycling center or waste management program.
- Latex paint can usually be reused. However, paint purchased before 1991 may have mercury in it, making it unsafe to recycle. If you're unsure about the date of purchase, for safety's sake dispose of your paint. Recycling centers also accept oil-based paint, but oil-based paint cannot be made into new paint products. Instead, it is turned into a fuel additive and used at power plants.
- Once you drop off your extra paint, it undergoes the actual recycling process. Recycled paint comes in two varieties: reprocessed paint and reblended paint. The recycling process differs depending on whether the paint is reprocessed or reblended. Reprocessed paint (also known as remanufactured paint) contains more new content than reblended paint. New resins and colorants are added to reprocessed paint, and the batch of paint is tested as if it was brand new. Reblended paint (also known as consolidated paint) is paint that has been simply been mixed with other paint. This paint mix is filtered for foreign bodies, then distributed or sold. Small amounts of new material may be added.
- What are the best uses for recycled paint? Reprocessed paint is close in quality to new paint and is available in a range of colors. Reblended paint may be of lower quality. In addition, it's often only available in neutral colors (although the color range is improving). Reblended paint is especially good for outdoor use and for areas where a neutral color is needed. It's often used to cover up graffiti. Reprocessed and reblended paint do have one thing in common---they're usually cheaper than virgin paint. Reblended paint may even be available for free or for a very low fee from local recycling or collection centers.
