How to Dispose of Oil Acrylic Artist Paint
Abandoning an art project while you're in the middle of it, whether for creative or logistical reasons, is never ideal. You're often left with both with unharvested ideas and unused materials. If you've been working with oil-based or acrylic paints and no longer have a use for them, there are a number of ways to dispose of them properly. Additionally, the paints can be recycled or recirculated in the local artistic community.
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Instructions
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Replace all caps and lids on the paint storage containers. Ensure that the containers are firmly sealed to avoid spillage.
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Pour excess paint into plastic storage bottles if you have been working with bulk amounts or you cannot locate the original lids. If you plan to donate the paint, only pour one color per bottle.
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Label the bottle with the color and paint type (oil or acrylic), using a permanent marker.
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Donate the paint by contacting local schools, churches, theater groups or child care centers and inquiring. Most institutions will gladly accept donations of clean, usable paint. Drop off the paint once you have confirmed your donation. Some may offer a pick-up service.
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Contact your local waste management or sanitation department and ask about paint drop-off or pick-up services. Most departments will accept the paint during weekly garbage pick-up if it is labeled or handed to an employee personally. If not, you will be referred to a local facility for a scheduled drop-off.
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Tips & Warnings
Take care not to inhale fumes or ingest paint while you are pouring it or capping the containers.
Never pour oil-based or acrylic paint down a drain of any sort. This is not an environmentally sound practice and is illegal in most areas.
References
- Photo Credit oil paint 01 image by Undy from Fotolia.com
