Some Cities Offer Free Recyclable Ink and Consumables
Leftover paint is not just a waste of money, it can also be hazardous to the environment. Most major cities have clear guidelines for recycling unused paint, but better yet, some cities also give away recycled paint for free.
The Redditor offered this advice by writing:
I live in a city with a paint recycling program. People dump the paint and it is redistributed in 5 gallon buckets on a first come, first served basis. You just need to show your water bill and ID. Obviously, the color choices will be limited, but if you’re on a tight budget and aren’t too picky about colors, it can save you a lot of money.
This is not available in all cities, but the Live Well network confirms it. In Houston, for example, residents can visit the city’s Environmental Services Center on Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm and pick up recycled paint free of charge (on a first come, first served basis). Other cities have certain income rules or do not use paint for interior use (eg the Mesa paint program ). Here are a few more cities that participate in similar programs:
- Austin, TX
- Wichita, Kansas
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Kansas City, Missouri (chargeable but $ 20 for 5 gallons)
If you want to cut costs, it is worth checking with your city if they offer a similar program. Read more in the Live Well publication at the link below.
Recycling Programs Offer Free Paint | Live Well Network