Are there cans of paint hanging around in your basement or garage? Once the painting project is over, what should you do with your leftover paint?
If you have at least half or most of a can of paint left, and if the paint is still usable, please donate it to a local collection or pass it on to a friend or neighbor. But maybe the paint is no longer usable, or there is just a little left in the can. Then what?
It is important to dispose of paint properly because paint can contaminate soil and groundwater. Liquid paint should never be disposed of in the trash, but you can harden latex (water-based) paint and then dispose of it. Oil-based paints are hazardous waste and cannot go in with your regular trash.
Latex paint is not considered hazardous in its dried form. If you have a small amount of paint or it is unusable, allow the paint to dry out by leaving the lid off of the can or by adding kitty litter, sand, shredded newspaper, or sawdust to harden it. You also can purchase paint-drying crystals or granules to dry the paint. Once hardened, the dried-out paint can, with the lid off, can be disposed at the curb. Just be sure to check with your local waste hauler to make certain they accept dried paint in your regular waste collection.
Oil-based paint, stains, and varnishes are hazardous in any form. Contact your local solid waste management authority for information about disposal where you live and the dates of upcoming household hazardous waste collection events.
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