How to Properly Dispose of Old Paint Cans

Almost every homeowner has at least a portion of unused paint sitting in their garage, shed, or storage space. Did you know leftover paint can be hazardous? Chemicals in the paint can leak into the ground, leach into water supplies, or contaminate septic systems. Disposal of the paint is strictly regulated and must be adhered to for safety. Luckily, if you’re in the Main Line area or Philadelphia, there are several options for getting rid of your leftover paint responsibly:

Determine the Type of Paint: First, determine the type of paint that you have – the most common types are latex (water-based paint), or oil-based paint. Latex paint is usually non-hazardous and can often be disposed of with regular trash after proper preparation. Oil-based paint, on the other hand, is considered hazardous and requires special disposal methods.

Disposal Methods for Latex Paint:

Drying Out the Paint:

• Small Quantities: Simply remove the lid and let the paint dry in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets.
• Larger Quantities: Speed up the drying process by mixing the paint with cat litter, sawdust, or a commercial paint hardener. Once it’s solid, you can dispose of it in your regular trash.

Disposal Methods for Oil-Based Paint:

• Hazardous Waste Facilities: Oil-based paints must be taken to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection site.
• Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Program: Montgomery County hosts HHW collection events throughout the year. Check the Montgomery County Recycling website for schedules and contact information.

Donation Options: Some organizations will accept donations of old paint. In Philadelphia, Habitat for Humanity ReStores will take donations of usable paint for resale, with the proceeds supporting community projects. To learn more, visit the Habitat for Humanity ReStore website.

Storage: If you plan to keep paint for future use, make sure it’s tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Label the paint container with the date it was opened. You can store latex paint for up to 10 years, and oil-based for 15.

By following these simple guidelines, you can safely dispose of unused paint and help protect the environment and your community. Always check with local waste management authorities to ensure you’re following the proper disposal regulations in your area.

If you have old paint cluttering your space that needs to be picked up and/or disposed of, please reach out to Bradley Meyer at 484-535-0552. He handles both residential and commercial jobs throughout the area. Call or text for more information or to get a quote!