A newly painted wall looks so mesmerizing. Many of us even like the smell of paint. But is painting really safe for us or the environment? Paint is composed of various harmful and toxic materials, and it can be hazardous if it is not disposed of properly. So if you are planning to throw the paint away with the rest of your garbage, you might want to reconsider how to safely dispose of paint.
Needless to say, if you dispose of paint cans in the wrong way, it will harm and pollute the environment, and it is also harmful to sanitation workers and, in some places, subject to fines.
Many people also think that it is ok to pour paint down the kitchen drain, but it will cause blockage in pain, and thus you have to face a lot more issues.
In this article, you will find several different methods on how to dispose of paint tins, paint thinners, etc., safely. So to stay safe and protect our planet from this toxicity, keep reading!
The wrong ways of disposing of paint
There are different ways of throwing away old paint, but not all are legal or safe as the color is hazardous. It can cause severe damage to nature and increase both air and water pollution.
Many local recycling centers do not accept paint because of contamination issues, so you have to wait until the paint is dry. This process can be sped up by adding sand or soil to the paint. This is one of the ways on how to safely dispose of paint.
A widespread mistake done by most people is to throw away paint with general waste. This is harmful because the paint will start running from landfills into groundwater.
Can paint go bad?
Before disposing of the Paint, check if it’s still usable. If the can is still good, then donate it to a shelter. On the other hand, Paint might get worse, so it’s best to dispose of it instead of letting it sit on your shelf for years.
If the paints are sealed correctly, then water-based colors, like latex and acrylic, can last up to 5 years, and alkyd and oil-based paints can last 10 years.
Also, always make sure to open a paint can with a can opener because if you open it with a screwdriver, there is a chance that the Paint will go bad sooner than expected because the lid will be hard to close.
You can understand that the Paint has gone wrong if the texture is lumpy and complex, and it will also have an unpleasant odor.
How to Safely Dispose of Paint?
As I have mentioned before, there are different paints such as emulsion paint, paint cans, etc. I will list methods on how to safely dispose of paint.
How to dispose of emulsion paint?
Emulsion paints come in many colors, and it is perfect for painting your house; however, it is annoying when you are left half-full paint cans.
Emulsion paint can be disposed of similarly to old paint. You will have to wait until the stain has hardened. And then you can donate it to your local recycle shops.
It is always best to find alternative ways to recycle because it is non-harmful for nature.
How to dispose latex paint?
Start by adding an adequate amount of cat litter in the can. If you have more than half the paint, pour it into a trash can and add cat litter.
Keep stirring it until it thickens and won’t dribble. Allow the mixture to sit for an hour. Throw away the dried paint in the trash and make sure the lid is removed from the can.
How to dispose of paint cans?
Once you know how to safely dispose of paint, it won’t be that hard to recycle them either. Usually, color comes in plastic or metal cans, both of which are easily disposable.
Both metal and plastic cans are not suitable for household recycling. However, your local recycling center will accept it for you and recycle it.
There are a lot of several different paint disposal services to do it for you. This is a great option to consider if you have a lot of paint cans to recycle.
How to dispose oil based paint?
Oil paint doesn’t go bad as fast as latex if it is stored in the proper temperature. Make sure to remove the film from the top and stir the paint before you start painting.
Oil based paint has a very different formula than other paints and thus it is considered hazardous. Oil paint must be disposed by appropriate disposal or drop –off center. You can check in with your local officials for more information.
How to dispose of paint thinner?
Like paint, solvents and paint thinners are also harmful to the environment and people’s health. Never pour paint solvent down your kitchen drain, or throw it along with your household waste.
Paint thinner is also prone to fire. So it should be handled with care. Make sure to drop off paint thinner at your nearest hazardous disposable center if you will not use it anymore.
You are thinking about how to recycle your paint thinner? Pour the paint thinner into a transparent pot and close the lid and wait for the paint to get to the bottom of the pool. This way, you can also reuse the paint thinner by skimming up the paint-free top layer.
Paint thinner rags are very hazardous and can catch fire in the blink of an eye. So it is safe for you and your family to learn how to dispose of it.
Below, I’ll mention some ways on how to dispose of paint thinner rags-
- Store the rags in a metallic can or pot with a sealable lid.
- Fill the container with water and let the rags soak inside.
- Seal the can or pot and then drop it off at a hazardous waste disposable place.
Checklist for safe recycling
- Paint cans should be recycled or disposed of in such a way that does not affect or harm our planet.
- Your local recycling centers will take the paint cans if they are empty.
- There is a possibility that people in your neighborhood might need the paint, so you are helping your community this way.
- If you choose to hire painters, they will take care of the whole disposal process for you.
Conclusion
Now that we are at the end of our article, I hope this has helped you gain some perspective on how to dispose of paint safely.
This method is not only good for us, but also the environment. You might also be interested in How to Clean Fans and How to Clean Dyson Filter.
