How To Dispose Of Leftover Paint

It’s nearly impossible to calculate exactly how much paint you need for a project and you’re quite likely to end up with some extra in the tin. This happens to everyone and over the years, you may end up with quite a few paint tins. Since these aren’t easy to get rid of, what can you do with them?

Paint is considered a hazardous material in the UK, as it can cause damage and blockages in drains, but is also bad for the environment if it’s merely dumped in the landfill.

What do you do with leftover paint? Here are a few ways you can get rid of it.



Offer the Paint to Others

If the paint is still good, why not let someone else use it up? Often, schools, carpenters, and charities can use a little extra paint. They’ll use it to create art, paint furniture, or brighten up their spaces. This is a fun way to contribute, while also clearing out your storage space.

If you aren’t sure where to donate, simply post on your local freecycle page or town Facebook group. You’re bound to find someone who needs some extra paint.

Keep It

You don’t necessarily need to get rid of all your paint. You may want to keep some for touch-ups on walls that have been drawn on by children, look worn and dirty or for areas where the paint has chipped.

Dry It Out

If you do wish to get rid of the paint cans and don’t want to give them away, then you can dry the paint so it is less of a hazard. This is done by leaving the lids off the cans so the paint is exposed to the air. To speed the process up, add something that soaks up the paint. The most commonly used materials include sawdust and sand, which will soak the paint up and help it dry and harden faster.

Another option is to pour the paint onto old cardboard and let it dry. Once dried out, the paint can be thrown away properly.

Get Rid of the Cans

Now you have to eliminate the cans. You should contact your local recycling centre to see if they will accept empty paint cans. Some will take only metal ones; others also take plastic cans.

Need to get rid of your old paint? Contact Broughshire Waste Metals to find out how we can help you.