Proper Paint Disposal

[homealone]

I am ashamed to say that I have never given much thought when it comes to tossing out paint cans with small amounts of paint still in the can.

Though that has been changed for me. Now is the time that people are painting their homes both inside and out. There are often times when there are bits of paint left over that like I used to go get tossed out with the trash.

However this isn't the proper way to take care of this problem. For latex paints you should either use up all of the paint with an extra coat, touch up or what ever you can. If not then add into the can cat litter, shredded paper from your paper shredder, or mulch to solidify the paint. Once the paint is solid it can be tossed into the trash can and the can, can be recycled. You can also purchase a paint hardner that will also do the job, but the other items will save you money.

Now oil based paints are a bit more difficult to deal with. These need to be taken into local recycling centers where the paints will either be repackaged or it will be incinerated. Call your local recycling center to find out their specific policies on recycling oil based paints. Most of the time also the instruction labels on the paint cans must be intact to recycle. If not contact the recycling center to find out what to do.

[luv2flip]

Most towns will not even take paint containers of any kind.

[CalRehabber]

This is what I have done with old paint..

Dump the old paint onto a bunch of opened newspapers in the corner of my backyard (I have no pets), usually in a spot that gets a lot of sun.

Take the empty can(s) and throw them away

Wait for the old paint to completely dry up and throw away

--Mike

[flippinout]

If I have paint that I no longer want, I ask my daughters if they want it. They always have some kind of project going on and can most times use any left over paint I have.

As to the cans, I wash them out well, draw a design in pencil on the can then take a nail and hammer and punch holes to match the design. These cans look quite pretty at night with a lit candle inside and the can acts to block the wind so that the candle doesnt go out.

[homealone]

I know that some areas recycling center don't accept paint, those are the areas where you need to as CalRehabber said remove the paint and toss the cans.

Though if you don't want to take that course of action you can always donate the left over paints to charities, schools and other places. Heck if need be take some paper write FREE on it and put the sign and the paint cans out side for someone to take.

They won't be there long. There is also the option of adding cat litter or shredded newspaper to the cans to soak up the left over paint to dispose of it.

Just because an area recycling center won't accept your left over paint, there are still options open to you to help you get rid of them.

flippinout I love your idea of using the paint cans as candle holders. That idea would look great marking a side walk or path for like parties, Halloween or what ever. Thanks for the idea. Looks like I need to find myself some paint cans!!

[flip_it_fast]

I like the idea of using them as candle holders too. That would be quite easy!

I rarely have left over paint. With three kids there are always places that can be touched up before the paint goes bad!

I will keep in mind the cat litter tip though for future use.