What to do with leftover paint

With landfills rapidly reaching capacity, a major environmental concern is the disposal of paint waste. 

With paint there are several guidelines which consumers can follow in their efforts to reduce paint waste.

Buying more paint than you need costs you money — it also creates the problem of disposing of leftover paint. Do yourself, and the environment, a favor by buying the right amount for the job. The professional sales staff at Texas Paint & Wallpaper, your local authorized Benjamin Moore & Co. dealer, will provide assistance in determining the right quantity for each paint project.

Use all the paint that you buy — an extra coat of paint will provide even more protection. Share your leftovers with a neighbor who has a small area that needs painting. Or, consider donating the paint to a local charity, community beautification program, or neighborhood group which is assisting the elderly, disabled or disadvantaged with the maintenance of their homes. Make sure the product you donate is in its original container with the label intact.

Leftover paint should not be poured down the drain — neither household sinks, toilets or storm sewers.

Latex paints can be left to dry (in an open and well ventilated area by removing the lid and allowing the water portion to evaporate. This should be done in an area which is away from children and animals. Allow the remaining paint to dry completely. In most states the container can then be disposed of in your household trash. Leave the lid off the can so that your household refuse hauler can see that the paint is hardened.

Solvent-based paints (a.k.a. alkyd or oil-based) require special disposal practices. Solvent-based paints are ignitable and present particular hazards. These products should not be disposed of down storm sewers, household drains (especially if you have a septic tank), or on the ground. They should be disposed of as a household hazardous waste. Consider holding your paint waste for a “household hazardous waste collection day”, or if your community does not have a household hazardous waste program, contact your local or state government environmental control agency for proper disposal guidance.

Paint thinners, turpentine, mineral spirits and solvents should not be poured down a drain or storm sewer. With a few simple steps, you can reuse these types of products. Let used turpentine or brush cleaners sit in a closed container until the paint particles settle out. Then pour off the clear liquid which can be reused. Add an absorbent (i.e. cat litter) to the remaining residue and let it dry completely. Contact your household hazardous waste program, or local or state government environmental control agency for guidance on disposal.

For further information on “waste disposal,” contact your state government environmental control agency or local health department for assistance in finding waste disposal programs in your area. Check for “waste disposal services” in the Yellow Pages; they also may provide you with additional guidance.