How to Dispose of Paint

Your project may be finished, but you can't just toss your excess paint into the trash the way you would last night's leftovers. (Well you could, but that would be really un-ecofriendly of you.) The first step is to determine whether the paint is oil or water-based, as they have different methods of disposal. The label on the can should have this information. If it says acrylic or latex, it's water-based.

Let's start with water-based paint, since those are easier to get rid of. Fill a box or bag with kitty litter, sand or sawdust and dump the paint over it. Let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from kids and pets. Once it becomes solid, you can put the entire thing in the trash. If there is any residue left in the paint can, remove the lid and allow it to dry. Then peel if off and throw in the garbage. Don't chuck the can into the trash though. Check to see if your town has a recycling program for paint cans.

If your paint is oil or solvent-based, disposing of it is a little trickier. Oil-based paint is considered a hazardous material that's easily ignitable. Find out if there is a leftover paint collection program in your town. If there isn't, log onto your local city or state website to learn when the next hazardous waste collection day will be held in your area. Reseal the lid and store the paint in a moderate temperature place until then.