How Can I Dispose of Used Paint Cans?

All paints basically fall under two solvent categories, which define their type: water-based and oil-based.

“Water-based paint actually has water as a solvent, and is most commonly called "latex" paint even though it does not contain latex. Many water-based paints are made with acrylic and may be called "acrylic latex."

Oil-based paint is equally confusing. It isn't actually made with oil; it has a solvent of mineral spirits (also known as paint thinner) or alkyd resin. Alkyd can be thinned with mineral spirits, and latex paint is thinned with water. At the paint store, you can't go wrong with the terms latex paint or alkyd or oil-based paint.”
“If sealed correctly, latex paint can last up to 10 years, and oil-based paint up to 15. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping paint in its original container (never in food containers) and with the original label. Add the date you opened it and room it corresponds to.”

When you’re done painting and feel you don’t need the remainder for touch-up paint, what’s the proper way to dispose of it?

Generally speaking, oil-based paint is considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and should be disposed of according to your county’s HHW disposal program.

Water-based paint, however, can be thrown right into your regular trash after a few steps have been performed. The steps are below:

1. Mix finely shredded paper, kitty litter, sand or a paint-drying product found at your local paint store or department into the paint.Allow mixture to dry completely
2. Replace the paint can lid and throw away

Once dried, paint cans pose a far smaller threat to the environment.


For more information on products in the landfill visit www.wasteawaygroup.com.

earth911.com
thespruce.com
www.hazwastehelp.org