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Latex Paint

Disposal of non-hazardous latex paints

1. To dry paint out, find an area which is protected from children, pets, and rain but has adequate air flow.  A looked screened porch or a high shelf in a well vented garage or shed may be suitable.
2. Remove the lid and allow the liquid to evaporate.  Depending on the type and quantity of paint, the drying process can take several days to months.  This process works well for small quantities.
3. In order to speed up the drying process, add an equal amount of an absorbent material such as cat litter, sawdust, plaster of paris or vermiculite and allow to dry.
4. When drying paint in a can, stir occasionally to break up surface scum, allowing evaporation to proceed.
5. For larger quantities, pour paint in thin layers (about one inch of paint) into a cardboard box lined with plastic.  Allow paint to dry one layer at a time until all the paint has hardened.
6. For paint that has separated and cannot be mixed, pour off the clear liquids on the top, leaving the semi-solid paint sludge to dry.  The clear liquid can be poured into a cardboard box lined with plastic and mixed with equal amounts of an absorbent materials. When paint is thoroughly dry, the remaining hardened material can be discarded in the regular trash.  Please leave the lid off the can so your garbage hauler can see the paint is hardened.
7. When paint is thoroughly dry, the remaining hardened material can be discarded in the regular trash.  Please leave the lid off the can so your garbage hauler can see the paint is hardened.