How to Get Rid of Old Latex Paint

When finishing a household painting project, many times you will have leftover latex paint. While latex paint is water-based and less toxic than other paints, it still requires proper disposal. You should never pour liquid latex paint down the drain; however, you can throw away dried latex paint with your normal garbage. Depending on the amount of latex paint to be disposed of, you have a few different options.

Unwanted latex paint
Kitty litter or commercial paint hardener
Paint stirring stick

Instructions

- 1
  Dispose of a small amount of latex paint by simply leaving the lid off the can and letting the paint dry by exposing it to the open air. This usually takes about one week in a well-ventilated area. This process can be used for unwanted paint that measures less than 2 inches in the bottom of a paint can.
- 2
  Dispose of larger amounts of paint by mixing in equal parts of cat litter or a commercial paint hardener to the unwanted paint. Use the paint stirrer to thoroughly mix the paint and litter together and let dry for about one week in a well-ventilated area.
- 3
  Once the paint is dry, place the paint can with the lid removed in your normal trash. Make sure the lid is off so the garbage collectors can verify that it contains only dried paint. Garbage collectors will not pick up wet paint.
- 4
  If you have a large amount of unwanted paint, contact your local hazardous waste disposal or health department for drop-off locations.

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