Unlike leftover food where you can simply store it in the refrigerator to enjoy another day, leftover paint is another matter entirely. Usually, the paint you have leftover from a particular job is not enough to do another project of any real size, yet to safely dispose of it may be a time-consuming process. Dumping the leftover paint in the landfill is certainly not a pleasing option, but is one that too many people are doing which negatively affects our environment.
However, unused paint when kept properly stored can remain fresh and viable for years to come. The National Paint and Coating Association has developed the “Six-Point Program for Leftover Paint” that can help you properly manage the amount of paint you have as well as demonstrate other uses for any paint that is leftover.
Six Ways to Handle your Leftover Paint
1) Buy only what you need: The closer you are to purchasing the right amount that is needed, the less that will be leftover. This is known as “source reduction” so that the remainder is easier to properly handle.
2) Cover the leftover paint: By sealing your paint in the can or by using plastic wrap, you can keep it fresh for years to come. You’ll want to check on the paint that you have stored so that it remains fresh and does not present an issue when being stored.
3) Reuse the paint: This can come in handy for a number of different jobs, such as the following;
– Touching up the original project for years to come.
– Mix with other, similar paints and use as a primer on other jobs.
– Use for jobs where the final finish is not that important and more.
There are often smaller painting jobs where you can use what is left of the paint. By keeping your paint sealed, you can save yourself money the next time you may need paint for a particular purpose.
4) Recycle: You can always recycle the empty paint can once it has been used. Be sure to follow the proper recycling procedures posted for your community. You may be able to recycle plastic paint pails and similar containers as well.
5) Donate or Exchange: There are many places in your community that might need the extra paint, such as community theater groups, churches, schools and the like. If you have enough leftover paint, you may be able to get a tax deduction for your donation. Paint swaps and exchanges within your community are possible as well.
6) Dispose: This should be a last resort, but if you do dispose of your paint, be sure to follow all the proper procedures. For example, latex paint should be poured out of the can and into a bag or paper box so it can dry. Once fully dried, it can then be tossed out in the trash while you recycle the paint can. However, certain states and communities may have specific rules about proper paint disposal, so be sure to follow them fully. A liquid-solvent based paint should not be thrown away in the garbage, but instead sent to a special paint collection or hazardous household waste program for proper disposal.
These are the six ways to deal with leftover paint and the less paint that winds up in landfills, the better for our environment.
