Paint may seem harmless, but household paint is composed of several chemicals that are not only hazardous to humans but also damaging to the environment. Never throw leftover paint into the trash or a dumpster. Take the time to find out how to properly dispose of the type of paint you have. Sometimes you may not even need to get rid of it at all.

Consider Donation or Repurposing

Latex-based paints can last up to 10 years if the container is properly sealed, and oil-based paint has a shelf life of up to 15 years. Saving the leftover paint used in your home could be very beneficial – especially if you have kids that like to express their creativity on the walls! Label your leftover paint buckets so you remember where they were used, and make sure they are tightly and completely sealed for long-term storage.

If you don’t need to save your leftover paints, look for a donation program. Find a friend, relative, or neighbor that may be able to use it, or see if you can donate it to a local school or art program.

Proper Disposal Tips

If you have to throw your leftover paint away, don’t just chuck it in the garbage. First, dry the paint out. You can let it sit open, or stir in clumping kitty litter, sawdust or concrete mix to speed up the process.

If you have a large amount of paint you may need to buy a special paint hardener. Once your paint is dried out into a solid chunk, it can sometimes be thrown away as long as it’s solid. Check the paint’s composition and your local laws to see if it is fit for the garbage. If not, find a disposal location that will process it.

If you have any more questions about proper paint disposal, get in touch with the store that sold you your paint or a local home improvement retailer. Several of them have paint recycling programs in the store or have the equipment to properly dispose of it without harming other people or the environment.