How to Dispose of Oil-Based Paints

Recycling and responsible disposal are essential with oil-based paints.

Oil-based paints have to be disposed of responsibly because of their high content of VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. Unlike water-based or latex-based paints, oils will not dry out over time; this makes effective waste management a key issue. Dumping oil-based paints illegally can result in severe financial penalties. Waste management does not necessarily have to involve disposing of oil-based paint products altogether. Often, they can be effectively recycled to help reduce landfill amounts and maximize product use.

Things You'll Need

• Large storage tins
• Labels
• Cat litter
• Sawdust
• Old newspaper

Instructions

1. Evaluate the quantity of oil-based paint you have left and see if it can be put to further use. If the product has already been used on household fittings or fixtures, will there be a need to re-coat them once wear and tear has occurred? Carry out a thorough examination of your home and see if the waste paint can be used elsewhere.

2. Mix waste oil-based paints together to create a larger quantity of a unique color and store it away. The paint will be available for use when a larger painting project arises which will save money on having to purchase fresh products. Remember to label stored containers for safety and identification purposes.

3. Talk to friends and family and see if they are completing any home improvement work themselves. You may find that the oil-based paint you considered to be waste might actually come in useful for somebody else. Make a habit of trying to share as many different waste products as possible with people you know.

4. Dry out small quantities of leftover oil-based paint by adding cat litter or sawdust to the tin and leaving it to soak up. Accelerate the drying process by leaving the open tin in direct sunlight but take care to keep it away from children and animals. Once the waste material has dried, the cat litter or sawdust remnants can be scraped onto old newspaper and disposed of in your domestic waste. One of the reasons oil-based paints must not be poured away is the potential risk it causes to the water table. Drying out a paint product eradicates this problem.

5. Contact your local city hall to find out where your nearest paint disposal center is located. Alternatively, use your local city hall website to find out the relevant information instead. Type in the word "paint" and your local ZIP code to find a suitable waste or recycling facility. In some states, there may be a collection service available but you will need to register your address with city hall first.

References

• Montgomery County: How to Recycle and Dispose of Oil-Based Paints
• Ohio State University: Disposal of Household Hazardous Materials