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Did you know?
Some paints are considered hazardous waste and have special regulations for recycling and disposal?
Leftover paint can be hazardous, especially if its old enough to have lead, so throwing old paint away isn't an option.
How to recycle or dispose of old paint.
Drop-off Locations & Pick-up Services: with fees.
DIY Disposal:
Have half a container of paint or less?
Mix in equal parts kitty litter or saw dust.
Leave the lid off. Dry out completely.
Less than 2 inches in a can?
Take off the lid and dry out completely.
to see the regulations of the
Environmental Protection Division
of the GA Department of Natural Resources
for paint disposal and other liquid hazardous waste such as: old gasoline, paint thinners, or other flammable liquids.
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How do I know if my paint is still good?
Latex or water-based paint typically has a shelf life of ten years. Solvent or oil-based paint can last up to fifteen years.
You can test to see if your paint is still good by doing the following:
Latex Paint
First, smell it. Does it smell rancid?
If it does, it's gone bad.
Secondly, check to see if the paint is separated. There will usually be a thin skin on top with a layer of liquid underneath. Remove the skin and using a paint stick, stir the paint. Check to make sure that the paint isn't hard on the bottom or the sides.
If the paint blends together smoothly and appears to be the original color, then it's OK to use.
If you're still unsure, brush some of the paint onto a piece of newspaper. If the paint comes out rough and lumpy, you need to dispose of it.
Oil-Based Paint
If it hasn't been exposed to extreme temperatures and was sealed properly, then oil-based paint typically isn't as susceptible to going bad as latex. Just remove the layer of film across the top and stir it well before painting.
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How to store paint properly to ensure long life:
1. Seal it Up
A. Seal the paint can properly before you put it away to keep the paint from drying up.
If any paint has gotten in the grooves of the paint can, wipe it with a clean rag.
B. Use a rubber mallet to tap the lid down securely. Don't use a hammer - it can distort the lid, making it more difficult to securely seal the can. If you don't have a mallet, you can cover the can with a piece of wood and then hammer the lid closed.
2. Location
A. Store paint in a cool, dark location like a basement.
If you do store it in the basement, make sure that it's on a shelf. Moisture from basement floors can rust your paint cans.
B. If you don't have a basement, place them in a cabinet or closet in your house.
C. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can ruin paint. Cold weather can cause latex paint to separate, making it unusable. Heat can dry it out. Very hot temperatures can even trigger a fire with oil-based paints.
Resources:
Rockymtnbliss.com/2018/06/05/how-to-recycle-old-paint/
Lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/store-dispose-paint-properly/project
Paintdenver.com/managing-leftover-latex-paint/
Atlantapaintdisposal.com/index-2.html
Federalrecyclers.com/Home_Page.html
Livethrive.org/charm/items-accepted/
Patch.com/pennsylvania/pottstown/hazardous-waste-collection-be-held-ojr
Paintcare.org/paint-smarter/#/buy-right
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