Q&A for How to Dispose of Mineral Spirits

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.

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.

For large amounts, contact your local hazardous waste or recycling center.

Your recycling center should still accept it if it is only residue, as it will slowly evaporate when opened.

No, you should never pour mineral spirits down the drains or into the sewers. Mineral spirits, also known as white spirits, are a toxic cleaning substance that can cause serious damage to sewer lines and can potentially leech into the environment. Never dispose of it by pouring it out on the ground or in a drain to help keep it from contaminating anything or making any people (or animals) sick. A simple way to dispose of mineral spirits is to take it to a landfill that can properly dispose of it. Call your local landfill to see if they handle hazardous waste. If you must get rid of it, you can leave it in its original container and pay a small fee to have a local agency dispose of it properly. You can also pour the solvent into a container of kitty litter and take it to your local landfill. Disclose the contents and pay a fee if necessary to avoid groundwater contamination.

You can reuse them! Always keep mineral spirits in the original container after you are done using them and seal the lid as tightly as possible. Mineral spirits do not “go bad,” so it is not necessary to dispose of them after you use them as paint solvent. Allow the mineral spirits to settle, letting the paint sink to the bottom. When you're ready to use them, remove the lid, pour off the clear mineral spirits into a thick, new waste-safe container. Label them immediately for reuse. Pour the remaining paint at the bottom into cat litter. If you do plan to dispose of the mineral spirits, make sure you do it the right way. Never pour them down the drain or on the ground. Call your local city commissioner’s or council office to inquire about a hazardous materials waste disposal event. Many cities host disposal days to limit the amount of pollution in the environment. They are occasionally free of charge or sponsored by a local business. Take your mineral spirits to the disposal site to get rid of it in a way that's safe for the environment.

Yes, you totally can reuse mineral spirits. They don't ever go bad or expire. Keep the lid sealed nice and tight whenever you're finished using them. When you want to use them again, take off the lid and pour off the clear liquid into a thick waste-safe container. Pour the remaining liquid into a container of kitty litter so you can dispose of it. You can buy containers that can safely store solvents at art supply stores, hardware stores and on the Internet. Not all plastic containers are acceptable for use, because the solvent may wear down and break the plastic over time. This solvent can be retained for use with oil-based house paint or art paints. Add small quantities until the paint reaches the consistency of your choice. When you do need to dispose of the mineral spirits, pour it into a container of kitty litter and take it to a landfill that processes hazardous wastes.