How to dispose of old paint

[Timbo]

I've just finished a few painting home improvement projects and now am left with a couple of half filled cans of paint and some empty spray paint cans. Whats the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of these?

[Jeremy Crockett]

Plinking.

[bassteban]

Call your local sanitation department. We have a recycling center wher you can turn it paint, electronics, etc. that they don't want in the landfill.

[TheDarkReaver]

You could drink it, see what happens

Or, if it's still alright, see if anyone around wants it.

[Blueszilla]

Originally Posted by Timbo

I've just finished a few painting home improvement projects and now am left with a couple of half filled cans of paint and some empty spray paint cans. Whats the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of these?

You might consider donating it to a shelter or other community assistance organization, or Habitat for Humanity if the paint is still usable. You might also be able to take it to a recycling center or disposal site (might be a nominal charge for disposal). A friend of mine disposed of unusable paint by pouring it our on big pieces of cardboard, letting it dry and just throwing it out. Don't know the ramifications of that strategy, but he got it out of the way fast, and didn't make a mess.

[Bob the bassist]

Keep the half cans for touch-ups. Tap down the lids, and flip them upside down so the paint seals the can. The empties go to a recycler. . .

[Timbo]

I think I'll head over to the can/bottle recycling center and see if they can help me out.

[wazzel]

I agree on keeping the half cans for touch ups, they will happen. For the used ones leave the tops off, let them dry then toss in the trash.

[CapnSev]

Down the storm drain.

[Ericman197]

Originally Posted by CapnSev

Down the storm drain.

Imagine if everyone disposed of CFL lights, antifreeze, used motor oil, paint, etc. properly. Is that what Europe is like?

[steve21]

Give 'em away on Craigslist?

[Lalabadie]

Paint the Ball of Paint with 'em.

http://ballofpaint.freehosting.net

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Aren't you supposed to ride an old paint?

[jonathan_matos5]

Originally Posted by Bob Lee (QSC)

Aren't you supposed to ride an old paint?

not an old one

an old one becomes glue

[iamlowsound]

Campfire.

lowsound

[tplyons]

A product like Waste Away or another paint hardening compound. You should be able to find it any any hardware store. Let dry then toss in the trash.

[funkalicious101]

Pranks.

[FL Knifemaker]

Graphitti??

[crikker]

I asked this of the township where I live and they said to open the can and let it dry in the sun for a few weeks until it's solid then throw it out.

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Originally Posted by jonathan_matos5

not an old one

an old one becomes glue

There wouldn't be a song then.