How to Recycle Empty Paint Cans

Paint cans disposed of in landfills not only take up a lot of space, but any amounts of wet or dry paint within the cans---especially paint with a solvent base or containing VOCs---can create an environmental and/or health hazard. Thankfully, most recycling plants that handle steel or other types of metal cans typically accept and process empty paint cans, melting the cans down to produce various metal-containing consumer products, including new paint cans. The method for recycling your empty paint cans varies by region, depending on your local municipal waste authority's rules in regards to disposal.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your local municipal waste authority or recycling center and ask for details about the rules for empty paint can recycling in your area. Some waste or recycling centers receive empty cans that originally contained latex/water-based paints with curbside trash or other recyclables, while others only accept the cans at recycling drop-off points. If the cans originally contained paint considered hazardous, your local waste or recycling center likely only accepts the cans at a special household hazardous waste disposal location.

• 2

  Prepare the can for disposal once you know the rules for your area. For example, many municipal waste authorities require the removal of all but a thin layer of dried paint from the can and lid unless the paint is hazardous. If you're dealing with empty cans that originally held nonhazardous paint, remove the lid and set the can aside to dry it out.

• 3

  Dispose of your empty paint cans and lids per local rules with your trash, recyclables or at a drop-off point or special location.