A fresh coat of paint is an easy, inexpensive way to transform a room. Simply buying merely the correct corporeality of paint for the task? That's a trickier chore. If you're like well-nigh DIYers, you've got a growing drove of partially used pigment cans gathering dust in your garage. Getting rid of them doesn't have to be a headache. Nosotros've laid out all your options to dispose of quondam pigment safely and responsibly.

Tin can You Throw Away Paint?

Allow'south go the obvious question out of the manner first. Whether or not you tin can throw away old paint depends on what kind of paint yous're talking about.

Oil-based paints contain chemicals that can contaminate soil and water. They should NEVER exist thrown in the trash. In fact, in almost states, it'southward illegal.

How to Dispose of Oil-Based Pigment Safely:

  • Have your former oil-based paints to your city or county'due south household hazardous waste product facility.
  • Stop by a local household hazardous waste material drop-off event. Many cities concur these events at least in one case a year.
  • Visit PaintCare.org to find take-back programs if you live in one of these states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont or Washington D.C.

Man Disposing of Paint at a Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Household hazardous waste facilities volition make sure your old paint is handled properly.

Latex paints are non considered hazardous and can exist thrown abroad in the trash if yous follow a few guidelines.

What's the Proper Mode to Dispose of Latex Paint?

  1. Remove the hat and discard separately.
  2. Allow the remaining pigment to thoroughly dry out earlier placing the can in your trash. Pro tip: mixing cat litter into the paint can aid it dry quicker.
  3. If y'all participate in curbside recycling, cascade the remaining paint into a cardboard box and place the empty tin in your recycling bin. Allow the paint to dry out, and then toss the box in the trash.

*Not all municipalities accept stale latex pigment for curbside pickup. Check your local regulations.

**Not all curbside recycling programs accept paint cans. Check with your recycler.

However, only because latex paint tin be thrown away, it doesn't mean that's the best option. There are enough of other options that will allow you to go rid of your old paint while helping those in need.

A Group Donating Paint to Charity

Where to Donate Paint to Exercise the Nearly Good

Your used paint can exist useful again to families or charities who need a helping hand. A fresh glaze of pigment doesn't just create a pleasant atmosphere—it helps protect surfaces from rust, mold and other potential hazards. So instead of getting rid of it, donate your old paint to organizations such as:

  • Habitat for Humanity Restores. Paint will be sold at low rates so even those on a tight upkeep can do some sprucing up.
  • Global Paint for Charity. This nonprofit collects used paints and distributes them to struggling homes, schools, hospitals and other organizations around the world.
  • Homeless or Domestic Violence Shelters. Shelters are nearly ever strapped for resource and well-nigh could make good employ of your donated paint.
  • Drama Clubs. Most apprentice theater groups operate on a shoestring upkeep and would be thrilled to become a little free prepare dressing.
  • Children's Charities. Many nonprofits that work with children would be happy to utilize your old paint for arts and crafts projects.
  • Scout Troops. Lookout man troops ofttimes buy materials for community service projects out of their own pockets. Your donated paint could aid their budget go further.

Jars of Old Paint Lined Up on a Counter

Wherever you decide to donate your old pigment, always contact the arrangement showtime to brand sure they can currently use it. Otherwise, you might exist saddling them with a problem rather than offer them a helping hand.

See, Disposing of Erstwhile Paint Isn't So Difficult!

Now that you know the right fashion to get rid of former paint, check out our other guides to disposing of hard items. Know of any other organizations that would appreciate some donated paint? Speak upwardly in the comments!