Revamped your home recently? Painted a room or piece of furniture? Got leftover paint? If you are a person concerned about finding better ways to dispose of paint or where to throw away old paint cans, you’re not alone. Knowing how much paint you exactly need for revamping can be tricky.

Don't just toss leftover paint, as throwing away liquid paint can potentially allow toxic chemicals to contaminate the environment.  Proper disposal is key to protect the surroundings. While some manufacturers claim that their paint is not hazardous and can be disposed with regular waste, some are really dangerous. But if it goes unusable, the next concern it to dispose them in a proper way.

Certain states and municipalities have specific rules about paint disposal. Make sure you are aware of those rules, before you begin the disposal process.

How to Dispose of Paint Properly

First check the paint type

Oil-based type is considered more toxic than water based one.

Look for the label that clearly states whether the paint is latex (water-based) or oil-based. This is the most crucial information for disposal. You can also identify paint by smell. Oil-based one often has a strong solvent odor, while the other paint has a milder odor. The latex paint label often mentions "water clean-up".  A "water test" can also help identify the right paint type.

Oil-based paints - disposal

Improper disposal of oil-based paints can lead to contamination of the ground or septic tanks.

• Choose a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility: For oil-based paints, HHW facility is the safest and most responsible disposal option.  Contacting your local waste management department can help choosing the right facility.
• Pack it tight: Make sure that the oil-based paint containers are tightly packed and sealed to avoid spills or leaks during transportation to the disposal site. Store leftover paint either in original container, or in a sealed metal container, which is ideal for flammable liquids.Keep the container upright and safe during transport.

Safety Tips for Oil-Based Paint Disposal

• Clearly label storing containers as "oil-based paint"
• Never mix paint with other substances
• Do not pour paints down drains or sinks
• Store it in a cool, dry place away from kids and pets

Latex (water-based) paints

Latex paint is much easier to dispose than oil type.

• Dry the paint: Small amounts of leftover latex paint can be safely disposed by drying it out. Just leave the paint open in a well-ventilated area so that it becomes solid completely. To speed up the drying process, people often add absorbent materials like kitty litter or sawdust.
• Reuse if possible: If the latex paint is still usable and is in good condition, consider donating it to the needed people. To dispose of larger quantities of latex paint, consider mixing it with other materials such as sand, paint hardeners, or concrete, to solidify it before disposal. Paint hardener products will have exact instructions that you can follow for proper mixing and disposal.
• Tips for Water-based (Latex) Paint Disposal
• Dry out leftover paint in a well-ventilated area
• Know local regulations for disposal guidelines
• Donate usable paint to community organizations
• Mix with materials like kitty litter to solidify larger quantities

5Ns You Need to Know Before Paint Disposal

Never -

• Pour paints down the drain
• Dispose of old paint in regular household trash bins
• Burn paint or dispose of it in open flames
• Store paint cans in areas where they can be punctured or leak
• Dump paint in natural habitats or bodies of water

However, to avoid all these disposing processes, consider storing leftover paint in a proper way. Most paints last long when properly stored indoors. Keep it away from extreme temperature, and keep the lid securely in place. Before getting rid of old paint, just smells it and check whether it is still usable.

How to Properly Store Paint?

To extend the life of your paint, consider storing it the right way. Tightly sealing the paint can to prevent air exposure, which can lead to drying or thickening. Before sealing, clean any excess paint from the rim. Store it in a cool, dry place of consistent temperature between 50-80°F (10-26°C) to preserve the paint's consistency. Also, don’t forget to regularly check to ensure it is perfect to use.

So, hope you got the needed information on disposing old paint.