Many chemicals need specific cleanup, yet few people consider paint to be one of them. However, you cannot discard paint the same way you throw out old food or paper products. The incorrect disposal of paint might have catastrophic implications. This post will discuss how to avoid needing to dispose of paint and how to properly and safely dispose of paint. 

Avoid Using Oil-Based Paint When Possible.

Almost every company produces non-aerosol paint waste at some time. Therefore, it is critical to make an informed decision to prevent having needless hazardous waste when choosing paint. Keep reading for the steps on how to avoid oil-based paint when possible.

Select Appropriate Paint

First, select the appropriate paint for the project. Latex paints have advanced significantly throughout the years and can be used for projects that previously called for oil-based paints. If possible, avoid oil-based paints since they contain solvents and are most often hazardous waste. In addition, if your company has latex paint that is more than 20 years old, it may contain lead. Finally, it is essential to note that certain specialty paints can include harmful metals; thus, we recommend basing any hazardous waste decisions on generator expertise and paint cans.

choosing the proper paint and amount of paint to dispose of paint

Purchase the Right Amount of Paint for Your Project

Second, only purchase the amount of paint that you require. For example, a gallon of paint will cover roughly 400 square feet of flat surface. By buying the appropriate amount of paint, you may minimize waste. Although paint is sometimes priced at a lower cost when you purchase in bulk, you should consider future disposal expenses when purchasing paint.

What to do With Leftover Paint

If you have leftover paint, you have a few alternatives. Returning unopened paint to the store where you bought it is your best option. You may be able to sell or give the paint away as long as it is still usable.  Many organizations accept paint donations, such as theater groups, churches, schools, Habitat for Humanity, and other similar entities (check Earth 911 for local donation contacts). You can also use leftover paint as a preparation for subsequent painting projects. 

tips for disposing the leftover paint

Disposing of Non-Hazardous Paint

Finally, if you wind up with extra paint, you must assess whether or not it is hazardous waste. If you determine that the paint is not dangerous, you can dispose of it in an approved landfill. You should never pour paint down the drain, sewer, ground, or stream. Because Missouri landfills do not accept liquids, paint must be made solid before disposal. To harden Latex paint, combine it with an absorbent such as cat litter, mulch, or sawdust and allow it to dry. Waste Paint Hardener, which may be applied to gallon containers to harden paint, is also available in paint and hardware stores. If you find that the paint is a hazardous waste, you must treat it as such.

How to Dispose of Different Types of Paint

Oil-Based Paint Disposal

Because of the chemicals in them, oil-based paints are frequently hazardous waste. Try to identify information on the paint label. However, if you can’t, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Instead, keep the paint in the can and allow it to dry naturally; to speed up the process, add an equal quantity of kitty litter, sawdust, or a professional paint hardener. Once the paint has dried, transport it to a hazardous waste center to guarantee proper disposal.

Getting Rid of Latex-Based Paints

Latex-based paints, like oil-based paints, need to be dried first and blended with drying agents, but there is one key difference: latex paints are not typically considered harmful materials. As a result, once dried, you can dispose of them in the same manner as other waste products. However, it is critical not to put latex-based paint on the grass or down drains since this pollutes the water, soil, and surrounding ecosystem. Also, if your latex paint has an odd odor before drying, it’s likely that it’s already ruined and should be destroyed sooner rather than later.

Using Old Paint for New Purposes

You may be able to preserve Latex paint for later use by mixing it with fresh paint. So, if you intend on performing more paint jobs in the future, saving it until you need it may be a smart idea. You might also think about giving away any unwanted paints you have. Investigate several philanthropic organizations and community activities that may be interested in taking it off your hands. In the meantime, keep it well sealed and stored in a cold, dry area. 

how to reuse recycle and dispose of paint properly

Lee’s Summit Resource Recovery Park

When you’re searching for a place to dispose of paint, Lee’s Summit Resource Recovery Park is one of the best places in the community for paint disposal. The park is open Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm by appointment only. Acceptable items you can dispose of at the park include batteries, household cleaning products, pesticides, paint, and so much more. 

In Conclusion

Whether you’re removing all the clutter from the garage, cleaning out your shop, or simply don’t need excess paint anymore, it is essential to dispose of paint properly.  If you are unsure where to begin or where to go, get in touch with KC Dumpster Company. Although we cannot take paint in our dumpsters, we would be pleased to assist you in locating the appropriate drop-off center or another location to dispose of whatever you have left. What we can do is provide you with the best rental dumpsters to make your next project or home renovation more straightforward. Contact KC Dumpster today for more information on our affordable dumpster rental services!