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Dispose of paint cans in a safe, eco-friendly way
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Finish a big painting project and now have empty paint cans? There are several options for how to dispose of them, depending on the type of paint they contained. Check your area's local recycling and hazardous waste guidelines to ensure you're following the right protocol. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to get rid of empty paint cans, including latex, oil-based, and spray paint cans.
Disposing of Empty Paint Cans
To dispose of empty latex paint cans, let the last bit of paint dry out, then recycle them in your normal bin or at a specialized recycling center. For oil-based paint cans, use up the last bit of paint, then take the empty can to a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off facility. Recycle empty spray paint cans curbside.
Steps
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Empty your paint can and remove the lid. If your paint can still has a small amount of paint in it, take off the lid and let the paint dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. The can needs to be empty or completely dried out, as dry paint is more stable and is less likely to contaminate groundwater. Remove the lid so trash or recycling workers can see the can is empty and safe to dispose of. [1] X Research source
- Water-based paint like latex paint dries relatively quickly. Depending on how much paint is left in the can, it can dry in as little as 2-4 hours or several days.
- If you don’t want to wait, purchase a commercial paint hardener from a store to help dry your paint out.
- Or, if you have a good amount of leftover paint, mix it with an equal amount of cat litter and stir until the paint thickens. Allow it to sit for at least an hour before disposing of it.
- Commercial painter Jeff Baldwin says you should never pour leftover paint “down the drain, into landscaping, or anywhere else it can get into the water table.” [2]
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Expert Source
Jeff Baldwin
Residential Painter Expert Interview. 1 March 2021.
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Recycle the can curbside. In most cases, empty water-based paint cans can be placed in your recycling bin, though some areas may ask that you bring them to a recycling center. Your city’s recycling website should tell you if they accept empty paint cans. If recycling isn’t an option, throw your empty paint can away with the rest of your trash by taking it out on trash days or dropping it at your local waste management center. Remember to remove the lid! [3] X Research source
- Many cities have paint recycling companies that will reuse your empty latex paint cans, free of charge. Look online to find out if this is an option.
- Many recycling centers do accept paint cans, grouping them with metals.
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Bring the paint can to a local Household Hazardous Waste drop-off site. Due to their hazardous nature, different areas may have different rules for how you should get rid of oil-based paint cans. Many areas have Household Hazardous Waste sites where you can bring items that aren’t safe to dispose of in your own home. Research your area’s guidelines, and if they’re deemed hazardous, drop them off at the nearest hazardous waste site. [4] X Research source
- Some areas might even have a Hazardous Household Waste pickup option, so check online to find out.
- If you need to dispose of a partially full oil-based paint can, it must be taken to a Hazardous Household Waste site, as well.
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Throw away the can if your area doesn't consider it a hazardous material. If your oil-based paint can doesn’t need to be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off site according to your city’s regulations, it’s safe to place it in your regular garbage. Make sure it’s completely empty to prevent any hazards, remove the lid, and take it out on trash day. [5] X Research source
- If your oil-based paint can isn’t completely empty, consider using up the rest of the paint by brushing it onto newspaper.
- If you’re not sure whether oil-based paint cans are considered hazardous in your area, it’s better to be cautious and assume that they are hazardous.
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Ensure the spray paint can is completely empty. In a well-ventilated area, spray the can at a piece of cardboard or other material you don’t mind staining. The can needs to be completely empty for disposal, as any leftover paint could be flammable, so spray until nothing comes out. [6] X Research source
- Never try to puncture the can to remove the remaining paint, as this could lead to injury.
- As you’re spraying, try shaking the can to ensure that it truly is empty. If you feel liquid moving around, there’s a chance the nozzle is clogged.
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Recycle or throw away empty spray paint cans. Check your local guidelines to determine if you can put the empty spray paint can out with your regular trash or recycling or if you need to drop it off at a designated facility. In most cases, unless the can is labeled “hazardous,” just toss it in your recycling bin. If they aren’t recyclable in your area, throw them out with your regular trash. [7] X Research source
- Check with your local recycling and waste facilities to see if they accept empty spray paint cans.
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Take any cans labeled “hazardous” to a safe disposal site. In some cases, spray paint cans may come with a “hazardous waste” label somewhere on the can. If this is the case, or if your city determines all spray paint cans are hazardous, take them to a safe disposal site near you. Search online for the nearest facility and the proper way to dispose of them . [8] X Research source
- Some communities also hold hazardous waste collection events in which you can dispose of your spray paint cans.
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Sell empty spray paint cans to a scrap yard as an alternative. Many metal scrap yards will purchase empty aerosol cans, including spray paint cans, for cash. If your can is made of aluminum or steel, check with your local scrapyard to see if they’ll buy it from you. You likely won’t get a lot of money for just one can, so save them up if you use spray paint a lot, or sell other metal scraps while you’re there. [9] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I dispose of paint cans?Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing.The best way is to recycle them. You can take them to a hazardous recycling center.
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QuestionWhat can I do with the paint cans if there is some paint in them?Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing.You can check with your local paint store to see if they accept used paint. If there is a small amount of paint in the cans, let it dry out or use some product to harden it. Then throw away the cans. But don't throw solvent-based paints into your garbage even when dry.
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QuestionIs it okay to pour the leftover paint into the drain?Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing.It is not right to pour it down the drain, into landscaping, or anywhere else where it can get into the water table.
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Tips
- Many paint can companies won't take oil-based paint cans, only latex ones.Thanks
- If your city doesn't accept empty paint cans, use your cans to dispose of other waste like ashes or cooking grease.Thanks
- If you have leftover paint, think about donating it to a local charity, nonprofit, place of worship, or theater.Thanks
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Warnings
- Never dump paint down storm drains or down the sink. It is illegal and can clog pipes and damage sewage systems, which can in turn harm the environment. [10] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/landandparks/recycling/paint/paint-cans/
- ↑ Jeff Baldwin. Residential Painter. Expert Interview. 1 March 2021.
- ↑ https://kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/about-us/hazardous-waste-library/P/paint-latex
- ↑ https://sfenvironment.org/safe-disposal
- ↑ https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-paint/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-dispose-of-aerosol-cans/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-dispose-of-aerosol-cans/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-dispose-of-aerosol-cans/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-dispose-of-aerosol-cans/
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