How to Safely Dispose of Paint

When you're finished with a household paint project, you might be left with a half-used can of paint to get rid of. Depending on what type of paint you have, you may be able to reuse or recycle it. If not, you'll likely need to take it to a hazardous waste. Read on to learn more about how to safely dispose of paint.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Disposing of Latex Paint

1
Consider saving it for a later project. Latex paint can be stored for up to a year and then mixed and reused for a later project. It won't be the exact color you need, but it's useful to use as a base paint or to paint interior surfaces that won't be seen. This way, you can use up all the paint without needing to throw it away.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Tightly seal the used paint can and store it upside-down in a cool, dry storage area.
- Make sure the stored paint is out of reach of children and pets.
- If you want to use the exact same color again, make sure to write the paint formula down in permanent marker on the paint can lid.
- Paint may be good for up to 5 years, so check to see if it's in good shape before you throw it out.^{[2]XExpert SourceAndres Matheu
  Commercial PainterExpert Interview. 28 July 2020.}
2
Look into community paint recycling programs. If you don't have use for your leftover paint, someone else might. Look up community paint recycling programs in your area.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Waste haulers, schools, and municipalities often have programs to collect paint, mix it, and use it on community projects.
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3
Mix the paint with a hardener before you dispose of it. Don't just throw away a can of liquid paint—that's actually against the law in some places. Instead, purchase waste paint hardener, which is a powder that you mix into the paint. After a few hours, the paint will harden, and you can simply throw the can away.^{[4]XExpert SourceAndres Matheu
Commercial PainterExpert Interview. 28 July 2020.}
- You can also try mixing kitty litter into the paint until it hardens.^{[5]XExpert SourceAndres Matheu
  Commercial PainterExpert Interview. 28 July 2020.}
- Never pour paint into a drain. It can damage your pipes and it isn't good for the water supply.
- Don't pour paint into the ground. This is hazardous to the soil.
4
Recycle empty paint cans. Let the empty paint cans dry completely, then recycle them with other metals.
- If you have an inch or more of dried paint left in the bottom of the can, you'll have to throw the whole can in the trash.^{[6]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Disposing of Oil-Based Paint

Most old paints call for hazardous waste disposal. Hybrid paints will also need special disposal.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceUnited States Environmental Protection AgencyIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practicesGo to source}
2
Remove the lid and let the paint air dry in the can. To speed up the process, stir in an absorbent material such as clay kitty litter, sawdust, or leftover concrete mix.
- Never pour oil paint into a drain or into the ground. It is considered hazardous waste, and disposing of it this way is illegal.
You can visit search.earth911.com/?what=Paint and enter your zip code to find one close to you.
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Question
How long does interior paint last?
Andres Matheu
Commercial Painter
Andres Matheu is the Owner of Hömm Certified Painting Systems, an Interior and Exterior Residential painting business based in the Washington, DC Metro area. Andres specializes in interior and exterior residential painting, color consultations, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and epoxy flooring among other services. An EPA Lead-safe Certified Firm, Hömm Certified Painting Systems has been awarded the Best of Houzz 2019 Service, Angie's List Super Service Award 2019, and Northern Virginia Magazine's 2018 Best Home Experts (painters) award.
Andres Matheu
Commercial Painter
Expert Answer
Paint can last for up to 5 years. Open the paint and check its consistency to see if it's still good to use before you toss it out.
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How do I make paint safe for disposal?
Andres Matheu
Commercial Painter
Andres Matheu is the Owner of Hömm Certified Painting Systems, an Interior and Exterior Residential painting business based in the Washington, DC Metro area. Andres specializes in interior and exterior residential painting, color consultations, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and epoxy flooring among other services. An EPA Lead-safe Certified Firm, Hömm Certified Painting Systems has been awarded the Best of Houzz 2019 Service, Angie's List Super Service Award 2019, and Northern Virginia Magazine's 2018 Best Home Experts (painters) award.
Andres Matheu
Commercial Painter
Expert Answer
Mix a paint hardening powder into the paint—after a few hours, the paint will harden, and then you can dispose of it. You can also mix kitty littler into the paint to harden it.
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Can you throw away old paint?
How.com.vn Staff Editor
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
How.com.vn Staff Editor
Staff Answer
You can throw away old paint but how you dispose of it depends on the type of paint and your local regulations. It is best to try to find a paint recycling program so the paint can be used for some other project and not wasted. If that’s not possible, tip latex paint into a plastic container lined with kitty litter or paper scraps, then let it dry and toss it into the trash. (However, if the latex paint is really old, like 1980s), take it to the hazardous waste facility as it may contain toxic chemicals.) If it’s oil-based paint, take it to a hazardous waste facility. The steps for dealing with both types of paint are explained above.
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Tips

Many local "dumps" have an area to allow for paint disposal so call your local council (if in the UK) to check if this is available in your area
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Call the manufacturer. Often these companies have recycling programs of their own. Rather than wasting the paint by drying it out, they can recycle or reuse it.
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Look into local paint recycling or exchange programs. Sometimes you can get free paint or stain to take home.
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Warnings

Paint thrown in regular trash can make a terrible mess when the garbage truck compacts the cans and the paint is released. This is one of the main reasons most municipalities require paints to be dried out or solidified before disposal.
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It may be illegal, and some would say that it is immoral to sneak your paint out with the household trash or throw it in someone's dumpster. When you place your trash in someone else's dumpster, you are stealing trash removal services. This kind of behavior is often punishable by stiff fine. Improperly disposed paint poses an environmental hazard that could linger for eons.
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