The best way to Dispose of Left Over Paint Safely is to recycle it at a paint store. Since Latex paint is waterbased, it is safe to through away, if it is prepared properly.
How to Store Left Over Paint
Seal it Up It is essential to seal the paint can properly to keep the paint from drying up. If paint spilled into the grooves of the paint can wipe it with a clean rag. Use a rubber mallet, rather than a hammer, to tap the lid down securely. If you don’t have a mallet, cover the can with a piece of wood and then hammer the lid closed.
Location Paint should be stored in a cool, dark location like a basement. Moisture from basement floors can rust your paint cans, so it is best to make sure that it’s on a shelf. If you don’t have a basement, place them in a cabinet or closet in your house. Regulating temperatures are critical when storing paint. Cold weather may trigger latex paint to separate, making it useless. Heat can dry it out, and scorching temperatures can cause a fire with oil-based paints.
How to Dispose of Left Over Paint without taking it to a Recycling Center.
- If you have a small amount of latex paint you can leave it in the sun to dry it up.
- Stir cat litter or newspaper to the paint, until it is thick enough that it will not spill.
- Once the paint dries you can throw the can in the garbage.
- If you have large amounts of paint to dispose of you can purchase a paint hardener, like Homax 3535 3 Pack Waste-Away Paint Hardener at a home improvement store.
Good to Know
- No paint can be dumped in the gutter or down the drain.
- Oil-based paints are hazardous waste and must be disposed of at a recycling center.
- Leaking, unlabeled and empty containers are NOT accepted at drop-off sites.
Dispose of Left Over Paint by Taking it to a Recycling Center.
Recycling paint is very convenient in Colorado. Unwanted and leftover paint can be taken to participating paint retailers who have volunteered to recycle unused paint. Companies like PaintCare accept leftover paint to recycle it. You can also search for a hazardous waste drop-off facility in your area at Earth911.com.
There is no charge for dropping off paint at any PaintCare drop-off site. Click here to see what materials are accepted and what are the policies or download the copy of the Colorado PaintCare Program brochure. To find the nearest paint drop-off site to you, use PaintCare’s online search tool at paintcare.org or call 1-855-724-6809.