How to Properly Reuse or Dispose of Old Mineral Spirits

The safest way to throw away old mineral spirits, bottles, and rags

After you use mineral spirits as a paint solvent or cleaner, it’s important to dispose of the chemicals properly. Since they’re considered hazardous waste, they can’t normally go in the trash and must be taken to a safe disposal site. However, you can keep reusing mineral spirits just by removing old residue. Keep reading to learn the safest way to get rid of mineral spirits, plus how to store and reuse them on future projects.

Things You Should Know

  • Take full or partial containers of mineral spirits to a hazardous waste disposal facility or safe waste disposal event in your city.
  • Pour small amounts of mineral spirits into kitty litter and toss it in your regular trash once it solidifies. Put dry empty containers in your recycling bin.
  • Keep soaked rags in an oily waste can with water until you’re able to take them to a hazardous disposal site.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Mineral Spirits Disposal

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  1. Mineral spirits are household hazardous waste, so contact your area’s waste disposal service to find the closest facility. Bring the mineral spirits in their original sealed container so they can safely dispose of it. [1]
    • You may have to pay a small fee for mineral spirits disposal depending on where you live and how much you’re getting rid of.
    • Never pour mineral spirits down the drain because they could contaminate the groundwater and harm plants and animals. [2]
    • Do not put mineral spirits in your regular trash because it’s flammable and could spontaneously combust. [3]
    • Disposing of mineral spirits may vary between cities, so always contact your waste collection service or city commissioner's office to find out the proper method.
  2. Many cities host free disposal events to limit the amount of pollution in the environment. Call your city commissioner’s or council’s office to find out when the next event is happening.
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  3. Line a garbage can with plastic garbage bags and pour in the cat litter. Add the mineral spirits to the litter a little at a time. Once the mineral spirits and litter solidify, tie the bag and put it in your trash. [4]
    • This works best if you’re getting rid of less than 1 cup (240 ml) of mineral spirits.
    • Work outdoors in an area away from children or pets.
  4. Store rags in oily waste cans until you can dispose of them. Oily waste cans are made of metal and have a tight lid so rags soaked with mineral spirits can’t spontaneously combust. Toss any used rags in the can along with soap and water. Put the lid on tightly. [5]
    • Keep the oil waste can away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
    • Once the bin is full or when there’s a hazardous waste collection day, take it in to have it properly disposed of.
  5. If the container is completely empty, take the lid off so any residual mineral spirits can evaporate. Once it’s dry, the remaining residue will be safe to put in your recycling bin or take to a recycling center. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Reusing Mineral Spirits

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  1. Use a funnel to put any used mineral spirits into the container without spilling. Seal the lid as tightly as possible, and place it in a well-ventilated space away from any heat sources or open flames. [7]
    • Mineral spirits can ignite when they reach 105 °F (41 °C), so store them in a cool place away from other combustible materials.
  2. Mineral spirits do not go bad or expire, so you can continue reusing them for projects. Allow the mineral spirits to settle, letting the paint sink to the bottom. The next time you need to use some, just pour out some of the clear liquid on top. [8]
    • It may take several months for old paint residue to completely settle on the bottom of the container.
  3. If you don’t want to wait for the residue to settle in used mineral spirits, find a resealable solvent container made from metal or glass. [9] Place a few coffee filters over the opening and pour off the mineral spirits into the new container. Label the container so you know it contains mineral spirits before storing it for future use. [10]
    • Mix the paint residue with cat litter or leave it outdoors to dry. Once the residue is solid and dry, toss it in your regular trash.
    • Many art supply stores and hardware stores carry containers to use for solvents. Avoid plastic containers because the mineral spirits may break down the plastic over time.
  4. Mineral spirits work for thinning oil-based paints used for your home or art projects. Add small quantities of mineral spirits until the paint reaches the consistency you want for your painting. [11]
    • Mineral spirits give paint a slightly smoother, more level appearance once it dries. [12]
    • If the consistency gets too thin, add more paint to the mix. Overly diluted paint may not bind properly to the canvas.
  5. Contact local construction co-ops, art schools, or learning centers to see if they could use any leftover mineral spirits you have. That way, they continue getting used and don’t go to waste. [13]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I put used paper towels soaked with mineral spirits in the trash?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, but I personally soak the towels with water before dumping them, it makes it safer and there's less chance of combustion.
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  • Question
    What can I use to clean my drain from mineral spirits?
    Mzm555
    Top Answerer
    Using hot soapy water works best for cleaning it from both your drain and your skin. Prolonged skin exposure to mineral spirits will lead to irritation, but once washed off thoroughly with hot soapy water, the irritation starts to go away. Most types of mineral spirits are not considered toxic when contacted with unbroken skin; however, if in doubt, seek medical attention.
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  • Question
    How do I dispose of mineral turpentine?
    Mzm555
    Top Answerer
    For large amounts, contact your local hazardous waste or recycling center.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • Mineral spirits can spontaneously combust when the chemicals mix with oxygen, and have a flash point of 105 °F (41 °C). Avoid pouring mineral spirits in the trash or piling soaked rags on top of each other. [14]
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      • Mineral spirits can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs, so wear gloves and a face mask any time you handle them. [15]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safely-manage-hazardous-household-products
      2. ↑ https://epd.georgia.gov/about-us/land-protection-branch/hazardous-waste/household-hazardous-waste
      3. ↑ https://wspmn.gov/270/Recycling-Rubbish#!rc-cpage=242725
      4. ↑ https://epd.georgia.gov/about-us/land-protection-branch/hazardous-waste/household-hazardous-waste
      5. ↑ https://ehs.oregonstate.edu/sites/ehs.oregonstate.edu/files/pdf/si/solvent_wipes_oily_rags_si.pdf
      6. ↑ https://dakotavalleyrecyclingmn.gov/recycling-and-disposal-guide#!rc-cpage=242725
      7. ↑ https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/solvent.pdf
      8. ↑ https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/solvent.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/doc/guide-to-safely-managing-hazardous-household-products/download
      1. ↑ https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/solvent.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/doc/guide-to-safely-managing-hazardous-household-products/download
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/mineral-spirits-vs-paint-thinner/
      4. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/doc/guide-to-safely-managing-hazardous-household-products/download
      5. ↑ https://www.solventsandpetroleum.com/uploads/6/0/3/7/60372849/mineral_spirits.pdf
      6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002798.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you have leftover mineral spirits, consider pouring them back into their original container to be used again later. Mineral spirits don’t go bad, so you don’t need to throw them out after using them as a paint solvent. Let the mineral spirits sit until the paint sinks to the bottom, then pour off the clear mineral spirits into a container. As for the paint at the bottom, pour it into cat litter and take the litter mixture to your local landfill. Make sure to let the landfill attendants know you are throwing out mineral spirits so it can be disposed of without contaminating groundwater. For more help, like how to dispose of an empty mineral spirits container, scroll down.

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      • Anonymous

        Sep 1, 2017

        "I learned that I can store and reuse mineral spirits that have been used to clean paintbrushes!"
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