How to Remove Waste Paint

Depending on how frequently you update the interior of your house, you may have accumulated a vast number of paint cans throughout the years. Oil-based paint is considered a hazardous waste and can have harmful effects on the environment if it is not disposed of correctly. Though latex paint is not considered a hazardous material, proper precautions should still be taken to prevent any environmental contamination.

Instructions

• 1

  Donate your used paint cans to a nonprofit organization. Contact a charity, such as your local Habitat for Humanity, and ask a representative whether or not the charity will accept used paint. If it accepts used paint, bring your paint cans to the organization's facility.

• 2

  Determine the type of paint you have if you are unable to donate the cans to charity. Oil-based paint and latex paint contain different chemicals, and the disposal methods vary.

• 3

  Contact your local Waste Management facility and inquire about paint recycling. Many counties have paint recycling programs, and you may be able to drop off your old paint cans at your local recycling center. If you have oil-based paint and your county does not have a paint recycling program, ask the representative whether your county has a Household Hazardous Waste program.

• 4

  Bring your oil-based paint cans to your local Household Hazardous Waste center. Depending on the county in which you reside, the center may have designated days for hazardous waste collection.

• 5

  Dry out your paint can if you have latex paint. You can dry out the paint by removing the lid and allowing it to air dry. To quicken the process, add kitty litter, shredded paper or sawdust to the latex paint. Depending on the amount of paint you have in the can, the drying process can take more than 24 hours. After the drying process is complete, secure the paint cans in a tightly sealed bag and place them in your general garbage.