How to Dispose of Old Paint Cans
Throwing cans of leftover paint into the trash is an environmental no-no. Paint contains hazardous chemicals that are toxic if they leach into the ground soil or water. The chemicals can also contaminate the air if set on fire. Not only is it unfriendly to the environment, in most cases it is illegal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Give it Away
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Recycle your paint by offering it to people who might need it for crafts, smaller projects or touch-ups. Offer it for free on a website such as Freecycle.com or Craigslist.org.
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Call local charities to donate the paint. Look up shelters, non-profit organizations, community centers, clinics, or Habitat for Humanities in your local yellow pages.
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Contact the Waste Management Division of your county and ask if there is a recycling program. Some dumps allow people to drop off leftover products like paint, so that other people can come by and select what they need and bring it home.
Dry Out Latex Paint
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4
Fill the paint can with kitty litter and set the can aside, uncovered, until it dries. The kitty litter will help absorb the moisture and dry it out thoroughly. if you don't add kitty litter, the paint can develop a "skin" on top that will keep the paint underneath wet and lengthen the drying process.
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After a few days, poke into the paint can with a paint stick or disposable wooden skewer. If it comes out clean, the paint is dry.
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Lay out some newspaper to catch any drips of paint that may remain. Scoop out the paint using rubber latex gloves. Place the clump into a garbage bag and dispose of it in your garbage pail. Leave the empty cans uncovered for your trash pick up, or recycle them.
Oil and Spray Paint
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Contact your local land fill, department of Waste Management, or government office.
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Ask the procedure and location for dropping off hazardous waste.
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Cover your cans well, taping the covers on if necessary to prevent leakage. Place your cans in boxes or bags and deliver them to the proper location during receiving hours.
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Tips & Warnings
When purchasing paint, try to calculate carefully so that there will be a minimum of waste. You can always go out and purchase more if you're running short, but once a color is mixed you usually cannot return it.
Do not place oil paint cans or spray paint cans into your regular trash. They are an environmental hazard and you could get fined if it is discovered.
