A fresh coat of paint is an easy, inexpensive mode to transform a room. But ownership merely the right amount of paint for the task? That'south a trickier task. If you're like well-nigh DIYers, you've got a growing collection of partially used pigment cans gathering dust in your garage. Getting rid of them doesn't have to be a headache. We've laid out all your options to dispose of onetime pigment safely and responsibly.

Can You lot Throw Away Paint?

Let'due south become the obvious question out of the way offset. Whether or non you tin throw away old paint depends on what kind of paint you're talking about.

Oil-based paints comprise chemicals that can contaminate soil and water. They should NEVER be thrown in the trash. In fact, in about states, it's illegal.

How to Dispose of Oil-Based Paint Safely:

  • Take your former oil-based paints to your urban center or county's household hazardous waste facility.
  • Finish by a local household hazardous waste drib-off upshot. Many cities hold these events at to the lowest degree once a yr.
  • Visit PaintCare.org to find take-dorsum programs if you live in one of these states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont or Washington D.C.

Man Disposing of Paint at a Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Household hazardous waste matter facilities will make sure your old paint is handled properly.

Latex paints are not considered hazardous and tin exist thrown away in the trash if yous follow a few guidelines.

What'due south the Proper Mode to Dispose of Latex Paint?

  1. Remove the chapeau and discard separately.
  2. Allow the remaining paint to thoroughly dry out before placing the tin can in your trash. Pro tip: mixing true cat litter into the paint can assistance information technology dry quicker.
  3. If you participate in curbside recycling, pour the remaining paint into a cardboard box and place the empty tin in your recycling bin. Permit the pigment to dry out, then toss the box in the trash.

*Not all municipalities accept dried latex paint for curbside pickup. Check your local regulations.

**Non all curbside recycling programs accept paint cans. Check with your recycler.

However, simply because latex paint can be thrown abroad, it doesn't mean that'south the best choice. There are plenty of other options that will allow yous to become rid of your old paint while helping those in need.

A Group Donating Paint to Charity

Where to Donate Paint to Do the Near Good

Your used paint can be useful once more to families or charities who need a helping hand. A fresh coat of paint doesn't just create a pleasant atmosphere—it helps protect surfaces from rust, mold and other potential hazards. So instead of getting rid of it, donate your one-time paint to organizations such as:

  • Habitat for Humanity Restores. Paint volition be sold at low rates then fifty-fifty those on a tight budget tin can do some sprucing up.
  • Global Pigment for Charity. This nonprofit collects used paints and distributes them to struggling homes, schools, hospitals and other organizations around the world.
  • Homeless or Domestic Violence Shelters. Shelters are most always strapped for resources and virtually could make good use of your donated paint.
  • Drama Clubs. Most apprentice theater groups operate on a shoestring budget and would be thrilled to get a little costless fix dressing.
  • Children's Charities. Many nonprofits that piece of work with children would exist happy to use your old paint for craft projects.
  • Spotter Troops. Scout troops often buy materials for community service projects out of their own pockets. Your donated paint could help their budget go further.

Jars of Old Paint Lined Up on a Counter

Wherever you determine to donate your old paint, e'er contact the system get-go to brand sure they can currently utilize it. Otherwise, yous might be saddling them with a trouble rather than offering them a helping mitt.

Meet, Disposing of Former Paint Isn't So Difficult!

At present that y'all know the correct way to get rid of old paint, bank check out our other guides to disposing of difficult items. Know of any other organizations that would appreciate some donated pigment? Speak up in the comments!