Remodeling, interior design, or spare paint cans from when you last painted the house (or maybe the time before that): we’ve all got extra paint at home. Much of modern paint is latex paint – and while it has upsides versus traditional oil-based paint – it still isn’t easy to dispose of. If you’re looking to dispose of latex paint at home, learn what your options are and how you might want to seek other options for a better environmental impact. For information on oil-based paints and stains, use the link below:
Hazards
- Older latex paint may contain lead or other heavy metals as part of the pigment and can also contain anti-fungal chemical additives that can make it hazardous.
Handling
- Identify leftover paint as latex or oil-based. Latex paint is labeled as such or has instructions on how to clean it up with water. Oil-based paint may be labeled “alkyd,” “contains solvents,” “clean up with mineral spirits,” or “combustible.”
- Pourable paint may be reused unless it contains lead. To test if the paint is still good, paint a small test area on a clean surface and allow it to dry for 48 hours. Place a piece of masking tape over the paint and pull it off. If the paint comes off on the tape, the paint is no longer good.
- To store usable paint for long periods of time, cover the opening of the paint can with a piece of plastic wrap and seal the lid tightly. Store the can upside down and away from heat.
- Do not store latex paint outside or in unheated areas. Frozen latex paint cannot be reused.
- Do not put liquid latex paint in the trash or down the drain.
Management Options
For surplus latex paints:
- Take to the municipal surplus paint collection program, if available.
- Put completely dried latex paint in the trash. This works best for small amounts.
- If no reuse or recycling option is available or convenient for paints, they should be taken to a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center.
Paints that contain lead, mercury, chromium or cadmium
- Do not use up, and do not give away. Toxic metals will remain in painted items.
- Take to a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center.
Empty paint cans:
- Empty paint cans may be accepted in community scrap metal programs.
- If recycling is not feasible, empty paint cans can be disposed of in the trash. Leave lids off so the hauler can see that the can is empty.
This information was brought to you by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and NEDT. For more information, including links to their guides, visit our Fact Sheets & Links page, and make sure to check out our NEDT Blog and Household Hazardous Products Resources for more in-depth information.
