When you have finished a project, it is very rare that you would have used all of the paint you purchased for the job. It is always important to determine what to do with your leftover paint. Painting with dangerous or toxic paints is sometimes unavoidable, however there are safe and environmentally friendly ways of disposing of this excess paint.

       One option is to put that excess paint to good use by someone who needs it. You could donate the leftover paint to non-profit agencies, community groups, churches, or to a friend who wants to paint. Many people opt to keep their leftover paint for touchups or future painting projects. In this case, be sure to read the storage instructions on the can.

        If you want to dispose of the paint, there are environmentally friendly options. There are different methods of paint disposal for oil-based and latex paints:

• Oil based paints and solvents are hazardous waste. Do NOT throw the paint/can into the garbage or down the sink. Your municipality should have a special hazardous waste collection program for this type of hazardous material. There are often drop off sites where you can go to bring your excess paint. Refer to your local municipality for specific rules and regulations.
• Water based paint should not be poured down the sink or taken to the landfill either. One method of disposing of the extra paint is to fill a paper bag or box with a material such as sand or saw dust and pour the excess paint over this material. The material should absorb the excess paint. Allow the mixture to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat, children and pets. Once the mixture has dried, it can be disposed of in the garbage.

         To specifically dispose of the paint cans, allow the paint residue in the can to dry completely by removing the lid. Once the reside is dry it can be peeled out of the can and thrown in the garbage. The can may then be recycled. Be sure to leave the label on so that it is visible during recycling collection. 

Joanne