Submitted by Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
As springtime slowly draws closer, many of us get the urge to tackle household projects such as cleaning and painting. When cleaning out your garage or shed, you might find unused paint from previous projects that you are ready to say good bye to.
The best way to prevent leftover paint is to purchase the correct amount of paint for your project. Estimate the amount you need using one gallon for every 400 square feet or one quart for every 100 square feet. Purchase the correct amount of paint to save money and the time and effort to store or dispose of unused paint safely.
If you do wind up with unused paint, it is important to dispose of it properly. HazoHouse at the Waste and Recovery Center accepts unwanted household hazardous waste but they do not accept latex paint made after 1989. They accept latex paint made before 1989 because it may contain lead or mercury. Oil based paints and stains are always accepted for free at HazoHouse along with other products labeled with signal words such as, caution, warning, danger and poison.
What should you do with leftover latex paint?
You can donate unused paint to community groups, schools, or theatres. Or, list it on www.2good2toss.com.
Dry out latex paint before putting it in the garbage to prevent it from spilling inside the garbage truck and onto our roadways.
How to dry out latex paint:
- If the can is less than ¼ full, remove the lid in a safe, dry and well-ventilated area and allow air-drying.
- If the can is more than ¼ full, open lid and solidify the paint with kitty litter, grass clippings, sand or shredded paper. This may require using a different container than the original paint can, such as an empty jug or bucket.
- Once the paint is solidified or unable to spill out of the can (the consistency of oatmeal), place the can with the lid off in the regular trash. The removed lid shows the waste collector that the paint will not spill.
The Thurston County Solid Waste Program assists residents in finding the safest way to dispose of trash. You can visit the website: www.co.thurston.wa.us/solidwaste or give them a call (360) 867-2491.
Everyone plays a role in the health of our community. Please dispose of unwanted hazardous items responsibly to help keep Thurston County a clean, safe, and healthy place to live.
