How to Dispose of Paint Cans in Rhode Island

Donate leftover paint if possible.

Rhode Island residents with leftover paint have several disposal options, depending on the type of paint and amount left over. Because oil paint is hazardous waste, it is important to read the paint label to classify your paint before disposal. Residents can also keep small portions of paint to reuse in craft projects or home improvement projects.

Instructions

1. Read the label on your paint to determine whether it's oil-based or water-based, because they require different disposal methods.

2. Oil-based paint is considered hazardous waste. Contact Rhode Island's Eco Depot (rirrc.org) to dispose of oil-based paint. Complete the online form to schedule an appointment to drop off the paint and other household hazardous waste, and then show up on the appointed day.

3. You can dispose of leftover water-based paint in your regular trash. If the can is half-full or more, keep the cover on and place it in your trash bin. You can also donate the paint to community organizations that could use it, like public art initiatives or local theater companies.

4. Leave the top off latex or water-based paint cans that are less than half full, to allow the paint to coagulate and dry out. When the paint is dry, place the can in your blue recycling bin for recycling.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use paint hardeners or saw dust to encourage your latex or water-based paint to dry faster.

References

• Recyclopedia: Rhode Island -- Paint, latex/water-based
• Recyclopedia: Rhode Island -- Paint, oil based
• Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation: Household Hazardous Waste