You’ve just finished painting, discovered you purchased more than needed, and have decided not to hang on to what’s left. So now you’re wondering how best to get rid of the old paint or empty paint cans.
Paints, paint thinners, and paint strippers are considered hazardous waste because they contain solvents, chemicals, and even metals that may harm people and the environment if disposed of incorrectly.
Because of this, all commercial paints should be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of safely, including empty paint cans. The paint should be dried and left until hardened before taking the paint cans to a recycling centre.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about paint disposal, whether or not your paint is considered hazardous waste, and all the recycling and repurposing options available to you.
Understanding Different Paint Types
There are three main types of paint.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint comprises various oil-based chemicals, including alkyd resins, mineral spirits, and linseed oil. These ingredients work together to create a durable paint film resistant to moisture and wear.
Water-Based Paint
Water-based paint is composed of a water-soluble resin and a pigment. It is easier to apply than oil-based paint and has little odour. However, it is not as durable and has a lower resistance to moisture.
Emulsion-Based Paint
Emulsion-based paint is a type of paint that uses an emulsion of water and oil as its binder. These paints are somewhere in between oil-based and water-based paints in terms of durability and ease of use.
How to dispose of paint and paint cans
It doesn’t matter what paint you need to get rid of – oil-based, water-based, and emulsion-based paints should all be handled the same way and classed as hazardous waste.
The paint should be left to dry and harden, at which point you can take the paint tins to a recycling centre. However, you need to check that they accept paint cans before going as not all recycling centres process hazardous waste.
Can you take paint to the tip?
Taking paint to the tip, also known as a household waste recycling centre, depends on your local facility’s regulations and whether they accept hazardous waste such as paint.
Before heading to the tip, it’s important to check with your local council’s website or call the facility directly to confirm if they accept paint and paint cans. If they do, make sure to follow any specific requirements or guidelines they may have for paint disposal.
What can you do with leftover paint?
It’s a shame to waste any paint left from your project, especially when it can be put to good use. So here are a few ideas of what to do with the paint instead of throwing it away:
- Use it to touch up areas around your home that have been damaged or scratched.
- Give it away free to friends or family members who may need it for their projects.
- Donate it to a local school, council, or community centre. Community repaint is doing some great work. They’re a nationwide paint reuse network that collects reusable paints and redistributes them to serve individuals and communities in need. You can find community repaint here.
- Check with your local hazardous waste collection or household waste recycling centres to see if they can take it.
- Use it to paint furniture or other home decor items.
- If it’s unopened, you can always return it to the store.
Leftover paint doesn’t have to go to waste – put it to good use and get creative!
Can dried paint be thrown away?
Paint and paint cans should not be thrown in the bin even if it’s completely dry, as they’re still considered hazardous waste. Instead, it needs to be disposed of safely and responsibly. Check your local council’s website to find a recycling centre that can process hazardous waste.
How long does it take for paint to dry?
The type of paint affects the drying time. Water-based paints dry and harden faster than oil-based paints. Leave the paint in a cool, dry place with the lid off in a space or room with plenty of airflow. Some paints can give off very unpleasant fumes.
What to put in paint to dry it up faster?
If you want to speed the process up, try mixing the paint with sawdust, sand, soil, cat litter or paint hardener. These can all help to speed up the drying process.
Add it to the liquid paint, mix it in, and leave the lid off the paint can. Once it’s hardened, pierce the film on the top to ensure it’s completely dry and doesn’t have any liquid paint underneath.
How to dispose of liquid paint
If you’ve got a large amount of liquid paint you need to get rid of, your best bet is to find someone else who needs it rather than throwing it away. We mentioned them previously, but Community RePaint operates nationwide, so before disposing of any paint, check their website first.
If you can’t pass the liquid paint onto someone else, your only option is to take it to a recycling centre that can process it. Check your local council’s website to find the one nearest to you.
How to dispose of paint thinner
Paint thinners, like paint, are considered hazardous waste as they can harm people, wildlife, and the environment. In addition, paint thinners are often a potential fire hazard and are usually highly flammable. As a result, you’ll have to take them to a recycling centre that can dispose of the paint thinners for you.
If you have a small amount of thinners left, leave the lid off the container and let the rest evaporate. Ensure it’s done in a well-ventilated area inaccessible to children and animals. Once it’s dry, secure the lid, place it in a fireproof container, and seal it.
How do you dispose of white spirit?
White spirit, like paint thinner, is considered hazardous waste due to its potential to harm people, wildlife, and the environment. To dispose of white spirit safely, follow these steps:
- If you have a small amount of white spirit left, leave the lid off the container and let it evaporate in a well-ventilated area, away from children and animals. Ensure you keep the container away from any sources of heat or ignition, as white spirit is flammable. Once the white spirit has evaporated and the container is dry, secure the lid, place it in a fireproof container, and seal it.
- Take the sealed fireproof container to a recycling centre or household waste facility that can process hazardous waste. Check your local council’s website or call the facility directly to confirm if they accept white spirits for disposal.
- Remember to always handle and dispose of white spirits carefully, following any additional guidelines provided by your local recycling centre or household waste facility.
How to dispose of paint thinner rags
Dry them off in a well-ventilated and secure area. Place them in a fireproof container, then fill the container with water and take it to the recycling centre.
How to dispose of large quantities of paint?
If you’ve got a lot of paint or paint cans to dispose of and have the means to transport them, you could take them for recycling yourself.
Alternatively, you can find your nearest specialist in hazardous waste who offers collection and disposal services. They’ll be able to collect the unwanted paint straight from your house so you won’t have to worry about transporting it.
Can you pour paint down the drain?
Paint should never be poured down a drain. Not only can it cause problems with the drainage and sewerage networks, but it’s also highly toxic and has the potential to cause harm to people, wildlife, and the environment.
How much will paint disposal cost?
Paint disposal costs will depend on where you get it done. Most recycling centres that offer the service will charge by the tin. However, if it’s only liquid paint you need to get rid of, you’ll most likely be charged by the litre.
Can you put paint in a skip?
Paint, paint cans or thinners can not go in a skip as they must be disposed of and processed separately. Instead, they should be taken to your nearest household waste recycling centre, which can be found on your local council website.
In summary, paint should never be disposed of by pouring it down the drain, onto the ground, or in any other way that could contaminate the environment. Instead, it should be left to dry and harden before being taken to a recycling centre that accepts paint cans. Any leftover paint can be put to good use by touching up areas around the home, donating it to a local school or community centre, or giving it away to friends or family members.
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