Recycle Excess Paint –
We all like the idea of a quick home improvement project. Painting a room is one of the simplest ways to update it. It’s a process that can be a little overwhelming at first, but it’s also a lot of fun. Which room do you intend to paint? What color scheme are you considering? How much should you buy in gallons? The list could go on and on.
When you’ve worked out all of the details, it’s time to start painting. Days pass, and you’re on your final coat of paint. You take a look around the room and realize you have plenty of leftovers. The next question you have is where you should put these remaining gallons. We are all aware that paint is hazardous, but many people are unaware of how to properly dispose of it. Below are a few things to think about when you have leftover paint.
Before You Throw It Away, Make Sure It’s Dry
You can dispose of dried-out paint in the same manner as the rest of your household garbage. Allowing it to dry in the sun is an adequate drying method. If there is a little more than the sun can handle, try adding kitty litter or newspaper to speed up the process. For larger amounts of paint, you can buy a paint hardener. Check your local laws, but in many places, it is legal to throw away dry paint.
Consider This Before You Toss Your Paint
Oil-based paint can last up to 15 years, while latex paint can last up to ten. So, if you need to pain again in the future, you’ll be glad you saved the leftovers. The EPA recommends that you keep the paint in its original can and label. It’s a good idea to include the date you opened it and the room it belongs in.
Make certain that you seal the can by wrapping plastic wrap around the paint lid and hammering it down. It is best to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets. If your paint becomes hard or lumpy, or if it develops a foul odor, it has most likely gone bad and should be discarded.
Donate Your Paint
Reusing or recycling leftover paint is an excellent way to get it out of your basement or garage. Use leftover paint to spruce up an old dresser or stool. You could also inquire with a friend or family member if they require any paint. Check with your local city schools to see if they have any major projects planned. You could also look into green building companies that accept latex paint, such as Habitat for Humanity’s Restores program.
Locate a Disposal Site For Paint
If you really want to get rid of your extra paint, Ready2Go Dumpsters, Lowe’s, PaintCare, and Habitat for Humanity all accept and recycle it. You can also look for a hazardous waste disposal site in your area if you want to handle this yourself.
Prepare Ahead of Time Before Painting
Get a good estimate of how much you should buy ahead of time the next time you update a room or paint old furniture. Most retailers provide a paint calculator on their website, preventing you from having too much left over. Contact us to more information about paint recycling, and request a free quote on our recycling services.
