How to Recycle Latex Paint
Latex paint is a popular choice for many home improvement projects. But even if a small quart of paint is all you purchase, you may end up with excess paint after the project is finished. Latex paint can be thrown away in household trash if it is completely dried, but there are a few reasons for choosing to recycle it instead. Large quantities of paint should be recycled, as drying each can is time-consuming. It can also be the best choice if you are concerned with the environmental impact of adding latex paint cans to a landfill.
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Instructions
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Contact your local municipality office and find out if any household hazardous waste collection events will be held in the near future. These events typically involve recycling companies and experts to help homeowners dispose of all types of hazardous waste, including latex paint.
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Call your city waste management department. Ask if any of the recycling centers in your area accept latex paint.
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Contact the public works office of your city and ask if it needs latex paint. According to the City of Houston eGovernment Center, many city beautification projects involve covering graffiti and vandalism with donated latex paint.
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Speak to a representative from a latex paint recycling company. The CalRecycle website says that recycled latex paint can be made from practically any amount of paint. They also note that many manufacturers will only arrange to collect large amounts of leftover paint.
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Seal the paint can securely and save the leftover paint for a future project. This may be your best option for recycling your latex paint if you know you will have a use for it in 6 months or fewer.
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Tips & Warnings
Call local recycling centers before bringing latex paint for disposal or recycling. Many recycling centers are not properly equipped to handle hazardous liquids.
Do not attempt to dispose of latex paint by pouring it down a drain or sewer grate. This can seriously contaminate the ground water or local water treatment system.
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- Photo Credit paint roller image by Ana de Sousa from Fotolia.com
