WHAT DO I DO WITH OLD LATEX PAINT?

           Everyone has them….half empty cans of latex paint in colors that haven’t been used since the 80’s left by a previous tenant or homeowner, or leftovers from a room you've just remodeled.   Never place liquid latex paint in your trash.  It poses tremendous cleanup problems when it leaks into garbage trucks and onto roadways and contains chemicals while in liquid form that are hazardous to the environment.  Pouring it down the drain creates its own set of problems for your water department.  Here is how to properly dispose of latex paint.

          First check the label of your latex paint to see if it says it is mildew resistant or preservative, or is more than 20 years old (it may contain lead).  If any of these conditions exist, it must be taken to a household hazardous waste collection and cannot be disposed of in your trash.  If none of these conditions exist, follow these directions:

 Cans ¼ or less full

• Simply remove the lid and place can in a safe, well-ventilated area away from children and pets.  Cans ¼ or less full will dry in a matter of days.
• When paint is COMPLETELY DRY, you may place the can and lid in with your recycling.

 Cans more than ¼ full

• Oil Dry, kitty litter, or shredded paper can be used as a bulking/drying agent. 
• Protect your work surface by lining it with old newspaper.
• Place your selected drying agent into a cardboard box large enough to hold paint.  Pour paint into the box and place in a safe, well-ventilated area away from children and pets..
• Once the paint is COMPLETELY DRY, you may dispose of it in your regular trash.
• Place the can and lid in with your recycling.

TIPS TO AVOID EXCESS PAINT:

• Mix your latex paint leftovers together and use it as a primer on your next project.
• Avoid waste by purchasing just what you’ll need for your project.  Ask for help where you purchase your paint.