Think back to your last home improvement project—whether it was remodeling, painting your house, or changing the color of a room. Did you end up with leftover paint? If so, what happened to it? Statistics show that consumers purchase approximately two gallons of paint for every person in the U.S. annually, and most projects have leftovers. Unfortunately, many people either throw it out or pour it down the drain, not realizing that paint is a hazardous material.
A significant amount of leftover paint ends up in landfills, and enough has been disposed of this way to raise concerns. It also gets poured down the drain, which is problematic because both oil-based and latex-based paints contain harmful chemicals that sewage treatment facilities cannot remove. These chemicals end up in our groundwater, waterways, and oceans.
For your next home improvement project, here’s some advice on how to minimize waste paint—and what to do with the leftovers.
Don’t Buy More Than You Need
Many people buy extra paint just in case they run out. To cut down on waste, try to buy the right amount. The amount of paint you’ll need depends on factors such as the material of your walls, the colors you’re covering, and the total square footage you need to paint. Only buy the paint you’ll use. A salesperson at your local paint store can help you calculate how many gallons you’ll need for your project.
If There’s an Inch Left in the Can—Use It
Instead of throwing out or storing an inch or two of leftover paint, consider applying it to your wall. This will save you storage space and help the environment.
Use Leftover Paint as a Base Coat
Rather than using a primer, consider painting over your old color with some leftover paint before applying the new color. This works especially well if your old color is bright and hard to conceal, and if your leftover paint is a neutral shade. This may even save you from applying a second coat of your new color.
Make Your Old Paint Last
Paint can stay fresh for years if sealed properly. To do this, place a sheet of plastic wrap over the top of your paint can, then seal the can and store it upside down. This creates an airtight seal that locks the paint in, preventing it from drying out or becoming unusable. The plastic layer also makes it easier to open the can when you need it again.
Donate Unwanted Leftovers
If you have a lot of leftover paint, there are many places that would be happy to take it off your hands. High school drama departments or community theater groups are often in need of paint for set building, and local charities like Habitat for Humanity, churches, or synagogues may also accept it. If you’re unable to find a recipient, try posting on an online classifieds site like Craigslist.org. You should be able to find someone looking for free paint.
Recycle Your Paint
If you can’t find anyone to take your leftover paint and don’t want to keep it for future use, consider recycling it. Not all recycling depots accept paint, so it’s best to contact your local recycling center before taking your paint there. Paint cans are made of steel, which is recyclable—but they must be completely rinsed and dried first. Many cities have paint recycling programs that will even pick up your paint for reuse—check with your local recycling department for more details.
Dispose of Your Paint Carefully
If you don’t have access to a recycling program in your area, consider holding onto your leftover paint until you find someone who can use it. In many states, it’s actually illegal to throw paint in the trash due to the harm it can cause to oceans and drinking water. However, latex-based paints are relatively safe to dispose of once they are fully dried out, as they are more hazardous in liquid form. You should contact your local hazardous waste coordinator or recycling department to inquire about the regulations and laws regarding paint disposal in your area. Remember, oil-based paints should never be thrown out with the trash.
For more information about paint disposal, visit this website maintained by the paint industry: https://www.paint.org/. It contains information on setting up a paint swap in your neighborhood, frequently asked questions about paint disposal and recycling, and much more.
