How can I dispose of empty paint cans? I had my house painted recently and I have about 20 empty paint cans..

Answer 1

If they are empty leave the covers off until they dry completely. Now put them out with the trash. They are not hazardous waste after they have dried. Regular trash pickup will take them.

Answer 2

Empty and dry, they can go in the regular trash (leave the lids off). If they've got paint in them, they're considered hazardous waste and have to be taken to your local haz waste collection point.

When I've got left over latex paint (water base), I'll use 2x4's and a drop cloth to make a drying basin, and pour the left over bits into it for faster drying (I'm talking that last 1/2" of paint in the bottom of the can - not a 1/2 gallon). In a day or two, you'll have a big puddle of dried paint that you can roll up and throw away too.

If you've got oil base paint (if you live in an area where you can even *buy* oil base anymore), you will need to dispose of it at haz waste site.

Answer 3

Find out where your area landfill is. They usually require a small fee to use the landfill but they have specific areas for flammables, toxic products, electronics, engine products like lawnmowers etc. If you are in the States, there is also a company called 1-800-Got Junk that will pick up anything and dispose of it for a price.

Answer 4

The local landfill has places for hazardous materials.Some paint stores also have disposal available.call your city council rep or country supervisor for local numbers....George

Answer 5

remove the lids and allow any residue to dry completely. you can them put them out with the garbage

Answer 6

You can recycle them, or better yet, think of something creative, maybe make a sculpture or something with them to brighten up a yard, or your living room. =)