- Before you throw
paint away, consider recycling or donating it if it's still good. - Many states let you dry out and throw away old latex paint, but double-check with your town.
- Oil paint is a household hazardous material and must be taken to a waste collection site.
Whether you have extra paint left over from a project or have old paint sitting around that's gone bad, it's important to properly dispose of paint.
Oil paints are hazardous materials, and improper disposal could introduce those toxins to your water sources. Additionally, states and towns have differing regulations about how to dispose of latex paint that you need to be aware of.
Paul Stein, a professional painter of more than 20 years and CEO of Trusted House Painter, shares the proper methods for disposing of oil and latex house paint.
When to dispose of paint
While paint can last for years when stored properly, it can also go bad. Latex paint lasts for about 10 years, while oil paint lasts for about 15 years. After that, you may start to notice signs that your paint has expired. Common signs include:
- A strong, noxious odor
- Lumps in the paint
- A skin on the paint's surface
- Separated paint that won't blend back together after five minutes of mixing
If you have paint that you no longer need, but that paint hasn't gone bad, it can serve other purposes. Check for operations in your community that accept paint donations:
- Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity ReStore centers
- High school drama clubs or other kids' groups looking to paint sets or do arts and crafts projects
Leftover paint can also be recycled into new paint. Recycling minimizes the amount of paint that's discarded and gives your old paint a new life.
Quick tip: When you store paint, wipe any excess paint away from the can's lid to ensure a good seal. Store your paint cans upside-down so the paint also acts as an interior seal. Keep paint in a cool, dark place where temperatures don't drop below freezing.
How to dispose of latex paint
If you need to dispose of latex paint, start by checking your town's regulations about paint disposal. Some towns and states allow you to dispose of latex paint on your own, while others require that you take the paint to a specific recycling or paint collection facility. For example, Vermont has banned paint from all landfills, but in Massachusetts, you can throw out paint with your regular trash.
If you're able to throw out paint in your state and town, you can dry out smaller amounts of latex paint. If you have less than half a gallon of paint, add cat litter or sawdust to the can. Leave the can open and let the paint dry until it's solid.
If you have larger quantities of paint, pour the paint into several heavy garbage bags, then add in cat litter or sawdust until the paint dries. You can then throw out the paint can or garbage bags with the paint.
How to dispose of oil-based paint
Oil-based paint is household hazardous waste — meaning it contains chemicals that can pollute water sources or otherwise cause harm if disposed of improperly. Never pour it into the trash or down the drain.
Instead, look for a hazardous waste collection site or a hazardous waste collection event in your community. Refer to these sites or collection events for specific disposal directions. Some sites may have very specific requirements that paint be in its original container, be clearly labeled, and not be leaking.
Quick tip: If you've fully used a can of paint, you can leave the can open to let it air dry. (Be sure to keep kids and pets away from the can during this time.) Many towns will let you recycle the paint can, but check with your municipality just in case.
How to find local paint disposal solutions
Your town's website and your state's Department of Environmental Conservation may have information about local paint disposal resources.
Earth911 maintains a database of recycling stations throughout North America, and you can filter results for locations that accept paint. PaintCare also operates paint recycling programs in 11 states.
Insider's takeaway
Whether your paint has gone bad or you have extra that you no longer need, you can donate, recycle, or dispose of the paint. Depending on your town and state's regulations, you may be able to dry out latex paint and just throw it away with your household trash.
Oil paint is hazardous, though, so you'll need to bring it to a hazardous waste collection site or event. Properly disposing of your paint can help to keep your community safe, while also finally getting rid of those paint cans cluttering up your basement or garage.