How to Recycle or Dispose of Paint & Stain
As paint users, we should properly manage and if necessary, dispose of leftover paint or stain. To minimize clutter and avoid spills or unsafe disposal, it is important to consider ways to limit waste. For more on how to dispose of paint or stain, take a look at the steps below.
Buy the Right Amount
Estimate the amount of product needed by measuring the area and calculating the amount to be used. Review the coverage area set forth on the Product Data Sheet of the product you have purchased.
Store Properly
After you finish your project, leftover product should be sealed and stored in an area that will protect it from damage, freezing and temperatures above 95°F. Make sure that any leftover product is out of reach of children and pets.
Save for Future Use
Leftover product can be used for touch up or other creative projects. You can also experiment and mix colors for small projects.
Donate
You can donate leftover product to a friend, neighbor, school or charitable organization in need of paint or stain. You can use social media to offer it to your friends or www.freecycle.org to find a local person or organization in need of paint or stain. Pass it on!
Recycle
PaintCare is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, established by the American Coatings Association to implement state-mandated paint stewardship programs on behalf of paint manufacturers in states that adopt a paint stewardship law. PaintCare is currently running programs in California, Connecticut and Oregon, and planning programs in Rhode Island, Minnesota, Vermont, and Maine. It is anticipated that more states will adopt paint recycling stewardship programs in the future.
If you live in a different state, you may visit http://earth911.com to search for a paint recycling center. Please note that paint recycling facilities may not currently exist in your area.
Disposal
Water-Based Paint or Stain
If there is not another management option, water-based paint or stain can be dried with absorbent material such as cat box filler, shredded newspaper or sawdust. Never throw away leftover liquid paint or stain in your trash. Once it's dry, dispose of the dried out product as solid waste. Please note that the state of California does not permit the treatment of water-based waste including air drying. Instead, locate a PaintCare location for recycling your leftover paint or stain or a disposal company.
Oil-Based Paint or Stain
Solvent-based paints or stains are ignitable and present additional hazards to the environment from the solvents. Save solvent-based paints or stains for a household hazardous waste collection program or contact your local/state government environmental protection agency for guidance on reuse or disposal of unwanted solvent-based products. States with PaintCare will collect and properly dispose of leftover solvent-based paint or stain.
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Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice or guidance by anyone. If you're unsure about how or where to dispose of paint and paint-related materials, contact your local regulatory agencies or municipalities for specific guidance and directives.
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