Want to Recycle Your Paint? Learn how you can recycle different types of paint and where you can do it.
Nothing beats the feeling of successfully finishing a painting project. But that’s quickly followed by a dilemma: what to do with leftover paint? I admit I’m guilty of stashing old paint in an isolated corner of my garage. It got to the point where old paint started to take over the garage, so I knew I had to do something.
I started researching how to get rid of old paint and quickly learned you can’t just throw old paint into the trash. Moreover, there are different disposal methods for different types of paint.
Luckily, there are a lot of ways old paint can be recycled and reused. Today, I’ll explain exactly how to check if old paint can be reused and how you can recycle different kinds of paint.
No, you can’t throw paint in the trash or dump it down a drain. Paint can have a harmful impact on the environment and even affect people’s health if not properly handled and recycled.
There are two kinds of paint: oil and latex (these differ by their base liquid). Latex-based paint isn’t harmful, but it needs to be properly handled.
Oil-based paints are flammable, hazardous, and have a large amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause air pollution. VOCs release harmful fumes into the air, which leads to air pollution if not disposed of properly. Moreover, toxic components of oil-based paints can seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater.
Paint can even lead to health issues.
You know that new paint smell?
Well, it can be very harmful to you. As the paint dries, the ingredients that keep it liquid evaporate and release fumes that contain VOCs. Most common VOCs include ethanol, styrene, acetone, glycol ethers, formaldehyde, and many other toxic chemicals.
These chemicals can lead to serious health issues, such as liver and kidney damage, cancer, and damaged nervous system.
If you were to throw oil-based paint into the trash, it would negatively affect the waste management system. The toxins from the paint can leach out and damage landfill liners, cause groundwater pollution, and the chemicals can mix and react with other materials in the waste and create harmful byproducts.
Overall, both latex and oil-based paint should be recycled, but this is even more important for oil-based paints. You need to use proper disposal methods and take the paint to designated collection centers or recycling programs to prevent damage to the environment and protect human health.
Recycling latex paint is easier and less dangerous compared to oil-based paint. Latex paint is water-based and doesn’t have as many toxins, which means it’s not as harmful to the environment and humans. However, it still needs to be properly disposed of.
If you have usable, leftover latex paint, you can donate it to community organizations, schools, or friends and family. This reduces waste, and others can benefit from your leftover paint.
Here’s how to determine if latex paint can be used:
However, if your latex paint isn’t usable or has dried out, you should recycle it. Here’s how to recycle latex paint step-by-step:
Overall, latex paint isn’t considered hazardous, but its disposal can be costly, so many municipalities recommend alternative methods of disposing of paint, such as donating or reusing it.
Alkyd or oil-based paints are popular because they have a high gloss, durable finish. These paints are often used on furniture and cabinetry. However, their recycling is more complicated than latex paint because they are toxic.
Here’s how to recycle alkyd or oil-based paint:
Overall, oil-based paint recycling varies based on location. Its chemistry makes it difficult to recycle into new paint, and the market for recycled oil-based paints is smaller compared to latex. Plus, Federal regulations make recycling more difficult. Always consult local authorities or waste management agencies to check what’s the best disposal route in your area.
Aerosol paint cans can have a gaseous propellant and hazardous materials. You can’t place them in a trash can, or they can explode and leak chemicals which can lead to a huge host of issues.
You need to know the local laws and regulations to safely dispose of aerosol cans. Different regions have different laws. Also, some aerosol cans were added to the EPA’s Universal Waste Regulations, so the cans that meet the criteria for the Universal Waste Regulations have to be disposed of following certain rules.
For example, you may need to remove the plastic can and other detachable parts. In some locations, you can recycle the cans using curbside recycling, while in others, you need to take them to a drop-off location.
Generally, empty aerosol cans can be recycled as long as it’s completely empty. Shake the can to ensure it’s empty. If you hear any liquid moving around, spray it out. You can also take an empty aerosol can to a metal scrap yard. If it contains aluminum or steel, the scrap yard can buy it from you.
Note: Don’t puncture an aerosol can to empty it because it can explode.
Aerosol cans with hazardous waste can’t be thrown out with regular waste. In fact, throwing them out with regular trash is illegal. Bring these cans to a collection site for hazardous waste, go to a hazardous waste collection event, or go to the hazardous waste facility. Contact your local government to check what’s the best procedure.
Pro tip: If you aren’t sure if your can has hazardous waste or not, check the symbols and labels on the can. If there’s a recycling symbol, the aerosol can most likely be recycled.
You can recycle paint with PaintCare. Paint Care is a nonprofit organization that has paint recycling programs in several US states, such as:
You can take your leftover paint to a PaintCare drop-off site. Most of these sites are paint retailers, which are open year-round, seven days a week.
Here’s how to recycle paint with PaintCare:
PaintCare manages collected paint using various recycling processes. For example, they can remix usable paint, process it for other uses, or dispose of hazardous paint in an eco-friendly way.
If your state doesn’t have a PaintCare program, we’ve got you covered. Use our Green Directory to find the paint recycling facility close to you. Enter paint recycling in the “search for” field, your address or zip code in the “location,” and hit search. We’ll give you a list of all recycling centers in your area, complete with their address and phone number, so you can contact them and ask about paint recycling procedures.
Here’s how to store paint the right way step-by-step:
You must seal the paint properly to prevent air exposure. If the paint is exposed to air, it’ll dry up and spoil.
Pro tip: Use a rubber mallet and tap the lid down securely into place. You can even use a hammer, but make sure to gently tap or cover the can with wood and then use the hammer.
If your original lid is damaged or lost, you can transfer the paint to a clean, airtight container.
Store paint in a cool, dry, and dark place. The basement is a good paint storage location, but make sure to place it on a shelf. You can also keep paint in cabinets or closets in your home.
Note: Temperature is also very important. Extreme hot or cold temperatures will ruin the paint. For example, cold temperatures cause latex paint to separate, and it becomes unusable. Heat dries it out and can even make oil-based paint trigger a fire.
Don’t keep paint on the ground, but place it on a shelf, especially if you keep the paint in your garage or basement. Moisture from garage and basement floors can make the paint cans rust.
Note: Temperature is also very important. Extreme hot or cold temperatures will ruin the paint. For example, cold temperatures cause latex paint to separate, and it becomes unusable. Heat dries it out and can even make oil-based paint trigger a fire.
Be careful when opening a paint cap that’s been stored for a long time. It’s best to avoid a screwdriver because the lid can become warped. However, if you have to use a screwdriver, go for a flathead one and gently pry open the lid.
Some manufacturers give you a key specially made for opening paint cans. Don’t use a lot of force, or your risk damaging the lid.
How long you can store paint cans depends on various factors, such as the type of paint and storage conditions.
A general rule is that unopened latex paint can be stored for up to 10 years, and oil-based paint can be stored for two to five years. Open latex paint should be used in two to three years, and oil-based paint in one to two years.
Here’s how to know if your paint has gone bad:
Generally, oil-based paint isn’t as prone to spoiling as latex-based paint. As long as it’s properly sealed, it’ll stay good. But, if you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to dispose of the paint. Using spoiled paint can lead to uneven coverage, bad application, and short durability. In other words, you’ll end up having to do more work to fix the bad paint job.
You should absolutely recycle your paint. Throwing paint with regular trash can harm the environment and even people. Paint can contaminate the groundwater and even cause a fire.
Check with your local government what are the best ways to recycle paint in your area. This can be a scheduled drop-off event, collection points, or taking paint to a hazardous waste facility. It requires little effort, but it means a lot to your environment. Plus, just imagine how tidier your garage will look without those messy paint cans taking over.
Use our Green Directory, and find the nearest paint recycling facility near you today to safely recycle old paint.
I have a LARGE can of totally dry latex paint to recycle. None of the above addresses are convenient for me. Is there any place south of GG Park that takes dried paint cans?
Can I put it in the black can for Recology pick-up?
Hi Danell,
There are many drop off options for paint in San Francisco. Please click on the following link to see locations that may be closer to you: https://www.recology.com/recology-san-francisco/hazardous-waste/.
Recology also offers a Residential Curbside Pickup for hazardous waste as well. You may contact them and request a free pickup!
Best,
GreenCitizen
I’m wondering how much would a green waste collection grand rapids mi impact the reduce the intake for regular landfills?