Nearly every homeowner has a few half-empty cans of paint sitting in their garage. But when it's time to clean out, you cannot simply toss liquid paint into the trash bin. Liquid paint can spill inside garbage trucks and leak onto city streets.
How you dispose of the paint depends entirely on what kind of paint it is.
Latex (Water-Based) Paint
Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste, but it cannot be thrown away in liquid form.
How to dispose:
- Remove the lid and let the paint dry out in a well-ventilated area.
- If there is more than an inch of paint left, add an absorbent material like cat litter, sawdust, or a commercial paint hardener.
- Stir the mixture and wait for it to become completely solid.
- Once solid, you can throw the can in your regular household trash (leave the lid off so the waste collectors can see it is solid).
Oil-Based Paint & Solvents
Oil-based paints, varnishes, stains, and solvents (like paint thinner or mineral spirits) are strictly Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). They are highly flammable and toxic.
How to dispose: You cannot dry out oil-based paint or throw it in the trash. It must be taken to a permitted HHW facility or a county collection event.
Pro Tip: Never mix different colors or types of paint together, as it makes it harder for HHW facilities to recycle them into "re-blended" paint. Keep them in their original containers with the labels intact.