How to Dispose of Unused Paint

There are several methods to dispose of old paint.

Paint is a common leftover of projects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated in 2007 that nearly 69 million gallons of paint are left over each year -- roughly 10 percent of all household paint purchased. From small amounts left in cans to extra gallons purchased, recycling or disposing of paint should always be done properly.

Things You'll Need

• Sawdust Sand Cat litter Newspaper Cardboard

Instructions

1. Donate paint that is in good condition. Schools, community organizations and churches may accept paint for upcoming projects. Make sure paint is usable. Always open stored paint and check the condition prior to donating. If paint has a foul odor or texture, it can no longer be used.

2. Air-dry paint. Paint in small amounts can be air-dried. The paint left in the can should be a quarter or less full. Paint can also be spread on newspaper or cardboard to dry faster.

3. Mix paint in a large bucket with cat litter, sawdust or sand. The extra material will absorb the paints moisture. Mix well. Packets of chemicals that dry paint can also be purchased at hardware shops. Throw mixture in bucket away once it has dried. Do not place a lid on the container or old paint can.

4. Call city or county office to learn about local hazardous waste collection sites. Sites charge a small fee per gallon and quart of paint. Occasionally some collection sites offer days where there is no charge for disposal.

5. Empty paint cans can be thrown away in the trash if paint has been removed. To be considered empty, no paint should drip from the can when held upside down. Swiping a brush inside the paint can should not contain any paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint should never be disposed of through a sink drain -- this will contaminate drinking water and other clean water sources.

References

• Consumer Reports: How to Dispose of Paint
• Earth 911
• Environmental Protection Agency