A fresh glaze of paint is an piece of cake, inexpensive way to transform a room. Just buying simply the right amount of pigment for the task? That's a trickier job. If you lot're like most DIYers, yous've got a growing drove of partially used paint cans gathering dust in your garage. Getting rid of them doesn't take to be a headache. Nosotros've laid out all your options to dispose of old paint safely and responsibly.

Can You Throw Away Pigment?

Allow'due south get the obvious question out of the way offset. Whether or non you lot tin can throw abroad old paint depends on what kind of pigment you're talking about.

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

How to Dispose of Oil-Based Pigment Safely:

  • Take your old oil-based paints to your city or county's household chancy waste product facility.
  • Stop by a local household chancy waste matter driblet-off upshot. Many cities concur these events at least in one case a year.
  • Visit PaintCare.org to find have-back programs if you live in one of these states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Isle, Vermont or Washington D.C.

Man Disposing of Paint at a Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Household chancy waste facilities volition brand sure your quondam paint is handled properly.

Latex paints are non considered hazardous and can be thrown away in the trash if you follow a few guidelines.

What'southward the Proper Fashion to Dispose of Latex Paint?

  1. Remove the lid and discard separately.
  2. Allow the remaining paint to thoroughly dry out before placing the tin in your trash. Pro tip: mixing cat litter into the paint can help it dry quicker.
  3. If yous participate in curbside recycling, pour the remaining paint into a cardboard box and place the empty can in your recycling bin. Permit the paint to dry, so toss the box in the trash.

*Not all municipalities accept dried latex paint for curbside pickup. Bank check your local regulations.

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

However, just considering latex paint can be thrown away, it doesn't mean that's the best choice. At that place are enough of other options that volition allow you to get rid of your old paint while helping those in need.

A Group Donating Paint to Charity

Where to Donate Paint to Practice the Nearly Good

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

  • Habitat for Humanity Restores. Paint will be sold at depression rates so fifty-fifty those on a tight upkeep can do some sprucing up.
  • Global Pigment 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 always strapped for resources and almost could brand practiced use of your donated paint.
  • Drama Clubs. Nearly amateur theater groups operate on a shoestring upkeep and would exist thrilled to get a lilliputian free set dressing.
  • Children's Charities. Many nonprofits that work with children would exist happy to utilise your old paint for arts and crafts projects.
  • Scout Troops. Scout troops often buy materials for customs 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 starting time to make sure they tin currently employ it. Otherwise, you might be saddling them with a problem rather than offering them a helping paw.

Come across, Disposing of Quondam Paint Isn't So Hard!

Now that yous know the right way to get rid of erstwhile pigment, check out our other guides to disposing of difficult items. Know of any other organizations that would appreciate some donated paint? Speak up in the comments!