How to Dispose of Paint Waste

Proper paint waste disposal is essential to protect the environment and to protect human health. The disposal method you should use depends on the type of paint you have and on local regulations.

Here are some common sense

• Reduce Waste: The best way to handle paint waste is to minimize it in the first place. Purchase only the amount of paint you need for a particular project to avoid excess leftovers.
• Reuse or Donate: If you have usable leftover paint, consider donating it to a local community organization, school, or charity. Some places may accept leftover paint for reuse.

However, above options are not always practical.

So how can you dispose of your excess paint safely?

How to Dispose of Latex Paint?

Latex or water-based paint can be disposed of with regular household waste after it has dried out completely. To dry it out, remove the lid and allow the paint to solidify. There are commercially available paint hardeners that can solidify paint for easier and safer disposal.

You can also use absorbent material like our Outpak Slurry Solution. It can encapsulate the high PH water and make the paint waste landfill safe. Follow the instructions on the product label for proper usage.

How to Dispose Oil-Based Paint?

Oil-based paint is considered hazardous waste and should not be thrown away with regular trash. Contact your local hazardous waste facility or recycling center to find out how to dispose of it safely. Many cities have specific collection days for hazardous waste, including paint. They may also only collect hazardous waste at specific collection sites.

For large quantities of paint waste or if you're unsure about how to dispose of it safely, consider hiring a professional hazardous waste disposal service.

Always check with your city or county government for information on local regulations and disposal options. They can provide guidance on how to properly handle oil-based paint waste in your area.

Remember to Also Dispose of Paint Wastewater

It is crucial that paint wastewater does not hit bare ground or get into a storm-drain. This can lead to potential ground water contamination or contaminate local water systems and pose health risks to humans and animals.

Outpak Washout and Outpak Slurry Solution can be used to contain any hazardous wastewater.  Outpak Washouts are watertight. And, when you combine them with Outpak Slurry Solution, they will encapsulate any wastewater and make it landfill safe and meet local safety regulations.