How To Dispose of Old Paint/ Cans

After a painting project, most of the time homeowners will put aside their extra paint into closet storage or their basement, but over the years we accumulate more paint cans than we will eventually use.

To get rid of all of these paint cans: first decide which colors you still might need for touch ups in your home. Consider donating the full cans that you won’t use. Then let all of your useless paint dry. There are a couple ways to expedite drying paint:

• Paint hardener (which is about $4 to treat one gallon.)
• Add kitty litter or some absorbent material to the paint and stir it around.
• Get some old cardboard boxes (that also may have been collecting in your home), break them down flat and then pour the paint out and let it dry in the sun.

When the paint dries out you can dispose any Latex, Water and Acrylic products at a normal landfill. Oil and Alkyd products must be disposed of at specialized collection areas. To get rid of these, simply call your local refuse center to see what their collection schedule is. Oftentimes they will schedule a local drop off at a community center or school.

It’s as easy as that! Don’t let those old paint can pile build up in your house.