How to Recycle or Dispose of Old Paint
You won’t be a full-fledged homeowner until you have a few stacks of half-used paint cans tucked away in a dark corner of your basement, attic, or shed. Some of them were left after putting a fresh coat on the walls before moving in, maybe one of them after you remodeled the bathroom, even a few things left by the previous owner.
You will want to keep some of them. It’s always a good idea to leave some extra paint on the walls and doors in case you inevitably need to tint a little. But some of them are probably already expired, and others (what were you thinking with that deep purple ??) are just gathering dust before their final demise.
How to know if a paint has expired
The paint does not last forever (when stored properly, oil-based paints last up to 15 years; 10 years for latex). You can first check if your paint is okay with an odor test: an expired paint will have a strong rancid odor.
You will also need to determine if the paint particles have completely separated from the solvent by stirring it well (if a thin film of hardened paint has formed on top, remove it before stirring). If the paint smoothly merges back into one uniform color, you are all right. If you’re still unsure, dab some of this on newspaper or cardboard to make sure everything goes smoothly.
If your paint is past its expiration date, you’ll want to dispose of it, so skip down to this section below. But if the paint is still usable – you just don’t need it – consider donating it to whoever uses it.
Where to present
If you want to donate paint (no expired), first check if it wants or needs it before you start lugging cans around town. Many non-profit organizations, including Goodwill, do not accept paint leftovers. But there are a few options you can look out for if you would rather donate than get rid of:
- Your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore may offer latex paint recycling. The paint is assembled by the brigade, mixed and resold at the ReStore, which sells new and used building materials for the benefit of the organization. Check first if your local branch offers this program; Donations of paints are accepted by appointment only.
- A local scout squad or community organization working with children may use excess paint, depending on the types of projects they are planning. Particularly in high school drama circles, paint is often required for sets and decorations.
- Any organization looking to retrofit their premises at a minimal cost, such as a shelter, church, animal rescue facility, or a local boys and girls club, might find a use for your surplus paint. The little that remains at the bottom of the can is not good for the job, but if you have a significant amount, they can use it to decorate the room.
How to Dispose of Latex Paint
If no one wants your paint (or is past its expiration date), it’s time to dispose of it properly. Check your local government’s paint disposal regulations before doing anything. In some regions, you will need to take your latex paint to an approved drop-off location; in other places it is allowed to dry it and dispose of it yourself. You can find a local paint recycler such as PaintCare , or search Earth911 for a hazardous waste collection point in your area.
If you dry it yourself, and there is very little paint left in the can, remove the lid and leave it open for a while in the sun. If the sun can’t stand it, add kitty litter, newspaper, sand, or sawdust to help absorb and dry the paint.
For more, line a cardboard box with a trash bag, drain the paint inward and mix with absorbent material.
To check if the paint is dry, try sticking a tool, such as a screwdriver, into the paint. If it does not penetrate the surface, then your paint is dry. Now you can safely throw it in the trash can.
How to dispose of oil paint
Oil based paint is considered a hazardous household material and must be disposed of either through a government program or a hazardous waste supplier. Your county may have hazardous household waste collection events periodically throughout the year, and your state Department of Environmental Protection website likely has a list of upcoming collection programs.
Whatever you do: DO NOT, DO NOT pour liquid paint down the drain or trash can.