How to Dispose of Paint or Store Paint for Future Use

If you’ve got extra paint cans sitting around from a recent painting project, you may be wondering how to store it or how to dispose of paint properly. Most painting projects don’t use the exact amount of paint required to get the job done. There’s always at least a little bit left over. Even if you hire a professional painting contractor like AMC Painting, you’ll be left with some of your chosen color(s) for making minor touch-ups or color matching later on. 

So, where should you keep it? How do you throw it away when it expires? How do you know when it’s time to throw it out? As professional painters, we deal with paint disposal and storage on a daily basis. We’ve created this short guide to help you get started! Keep reading to learn how to handle all of those spare cans in your life. 

Why is Proper Paint Storage and Disposal Important? 

Storing and disposing of paint comes with unique challenges because it is, after all, a hazardous chemical. No matter how hard paint manufacturers have worked to make their products more safe and environmentally friendly, some hazards will remain in order to ensure the paint is effective. Additionally, the way you store paint can affect the efficacy and quality of your paint. If it gets too hot or too cold, or it’s not sealed properly, it can lose the properties that make it so important in protecting your home. 

How to Store Paint

Storing paint properly comes down to temperature and location. If you can manage these two steps, you’ll be in great shape and your stored paint will last for a long time. 

Managing Temperature and Choosing the Right Location

You should always follow the temperature recommendations outlined by the manufacturer on the back of the can.However, the general rule is to keep the temperature for storing paint between 60-80 degrees. For most people, that eliminates the garage or shed as a year-round storage location, unless you live in a very mild climate. 

Is It Safe To Store Paint In The House? 

Fortunately, you can store paint in your home — including oil-based paints. 

• Store in a dark place away from direct sunlight. 
• Make sure the temperature is between 60-80 degrees. Don’t store it in a room that gets too hot or in any area without climate control. 
• Keep cans out of the reach of children, but ensure they are not a potential falling hazard. 
• Ensure cans are kept dry, as rust can damage the can and cause it to leak. Don’t place them on the floor next to your water heater, for example.
• Check the seal. This will prevent spills, keep the paint from drying out and reduce potential VOC hazards. 
• Label the physical can with a permanent marker. Add the color name and number, type of paint (oil, latex, etc.), date applied, expiration date and any other important information. Do not write on the label, as it can fall off.
• Check paints periodically and dispose of expired, dried or discolored paint as needed. 

How to Dispose of Paint

While you may be tempted to simply toss that quarter-empty paint can in the regular trash — don’t. Proper disposal is better for you, your waste management company and the environment. 

Can You Throw Away Empty Paint Cans? 

You may throw away empty latex and water-based paint cans as long as the paint residue inside is dry. If your waste disposal company spots wet paint cans in your trash, you can likely expect to find them on the curb after pick-up. You might even get a grumpy call from your provider. They do not want to be driving around town with your latest bathroom color dribbling out of the truck!

Can You Throw Away Paint?

If you have paint cans that are still pretty full, allowing them to dry out may not be feasible — it can take a while! And, you should avoid throwing some paints away at all. When it comes to oil-based paint, for example, you should never throw it in the trash, even if it’s dry. The same goes for lacquers, lead paint (if you find old cans) and paints containing mercury. 

Fortunately, there are many organizations out there who will help you get rid of old paint, often for free. For example, in our flagship city of Colorado Springs, there are multiple ways you can get rid of unwanted paint. We’ve listed a few below, but you can easily find a location near you by Googling “old paint disposal near me,” or “free paint disposal.”

• El Paso County Hazardous Waste Disposal (requires proof of residence)
• PaintCare
• Clean Sweep events (sponsored by EPC)

Protect Your Paint, Your Family and the Environment — Store and Dispose of Paint Responsibly

We hope this guide has helped equip you for storing and throwing away house paint, stain and other paint items safely. With these easy steps, you can make sure the paint you keep stays useful. You will also ensure experienced professionals in hazardous waste management manage the paint you throw away.