Unless your luck is better than ours, most of your painting projects will leave some leftover paint.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—properly stored paints can remain usable for many years, and you can use them for touch-up or small projects down the road.  But what do you do when you’re sure you don’t want it, or it’s no good anymore?

Donation is a great option in many cases.  Often schools, churches, or charitable organizations will accept partially full paint cans, mixing together multiple cans to get a large batch of “mystery color” for budget projects.  To see if your paint is donation-worthy, try stirring it; if can be stirred smooth and has no debris, call around to see if anyone could use it.

Many companies and organizations will also accept paint and cans for recycling.  Earth911 is a very helpful website that can point you in the right direction for all kinds of recycling issues.  Simply enter your zip code and the type of material you want to recycle, and you get a personalized list of the nearest drop-off centers.  You can also contact a local professional house painter to find out what they do with leftover paint.

If disposal is your only option, latex (water)-based paints can be thrown out in your household trash if you follow the correct procedure.  The paint must be completely dry, so that it will not spill, seep, or create noxious combinations with other trash. Simply put the paint can in an out-of-the-way location without the lid until it has hardened.  If there is too much paint in the can for it to dry, stir in an equal measure of kitty litter or a commercial paint hardening product.  Once the paint is hardened, you can throw it away with your household garbage.  Remember to leave the lid off so the collectors know it is dry and to prevent explosion from gas buildup.

Disposing of oil-based paints and other toxic products (such as thinners) are considered hazardous waste, and must be disposed of according to local regulations.  Again, Earth911can help you find drop-off locations, or you can call your local refuse center for information.  Some communities also hold occasional local collection days at schools or community centers, scheduling pick-up times for various kinds of hazardous waste and recyclables.

NEW STAR PAINTING  Kitsap county area house painting contractor, is committed to serving our customers responsibly, producing maximum results with minimal environmental impact.  Call us for a project consultation, and we will be happy to discuss the excellent low-VOC and no-VOC products that we can use to recolor your home without discoloring our planet.

We love hearing from you!  What creative methods have you used to get a second life out of leftover paint?  What colors have you gotten by mixing old gallons?  Leave us a comment…