Every homeowner knows that painting a space a new color can not only liven a room, but change your entire mood! But after finishing your painting project, your left over paint can sit around dormant for years. On average, latex or water-based paint typically has a shelf life of 10 years, while solvent or oil-based paint can last up to 15 years. Has father time snuck up on you, and your paint has reached its expiration date? It happens to the best of us, but how do you get rid of your paint properly? Keep reading our blog to find out how to properly dispose of paint!
How to Properly Dispose of Paint
Paint is generally safe to the human body. However, over exposure to paint and its fumes has the potential to cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and throat. Additionally, old or expired paint can release toxic fumes, and when left untreated can cause harm to you and the environment around you! Taking the proper steps to dispose of your paint can not only protect you, but your community as well. Here are some ways to properly dispose of your paint:
- Paint Hardener — Paint hardener is a surefire way to properly dispose of your paint. However, it only works for latex paint. First, add the mixture or crystals to your leftover paint. Then, stir the paint. It will thicken as you stir. Let your paint sit for 15-20 minutes or longer depending on the amount of paint. If your paint is thick, add a cup of water mix to thin it out. Your paint will begin to turn into a solidified gel. Once it has jellified, you can dispose of the paint in accordance with your local regulations.
- Kitty Litter — Kitty litter is another solution to dispose of your paint — and it might be readily available in your home! Additionally, this method only works latex paint. First, add equal parts cat litter to your latex paint (you can also pour the paint into a lined box or trash can if you have more than half a can). Stir the cat litter into the paint until it thickens and won’t spill. Then, allow the mixture to sit for one hour. Once hardened, throw the dried paint in the can in the garbage. Make sure to remove the lid from the can during disposal.
- Drop off Location — If you don’t feel comfortable disposing of your paint yourself, or have specific guidelines in your community, you can also drop your paint off at a location that accepts it. These cites will take care of your paint and make sure you won’t be producing any toxic waste! For locations around Indianapolis, click here. Not located in Indianapolis? Click here to find a drop off site near you.
Does Fire Dawgs Take Paint Cans?
Yes and No. Fire Dawgs Junk Removal will take you take your old or unused paint IF the paint is dried and not still in a liquid form. Meaning, the paint is in a solid form and can’t be used. To determine if your paint cans meet this requirement, check to if your paint makes a “sloshing” noise when you shake it. If it does, then you need to have it dried before our service. Otherwise, our team will NOT take your paint cans.
Additionally, Fire Dawgs Junk Removal is NOT a drop off location for your paint cans. We will only take your paint cans during one of our services. So just what services does Fire Dawgs Junk Removal provide?
So What Services Does Fire Dawgs Junk Removal Help With?
Fire Dawgs Junk Removal provides a variety of home and office services! We are firefighter founded and veteran owned! We can handle any job from construction debris removal to brush removal — and even simple curbside junk pick-up. Our crews take on the tough jobs that the other guys won’t and get “IT” done! But the best part about Fire Dawgs? We reuse, recycle, or donate over 60% of the items we haul away! Helping you go green!
Here is list of our most popular services:
- Attic Cleanout
- Demolition
- Hoarding Cleanup
- Hot Tub Removal
- Landscaping Clean Up
- Swing Set Removal
- And much, much more!
Click here to view a full list of all the services we offer. Want to learn more about our pricing? Click here. Still unable to judge how much your service will cost? We can provide a free, in person estimate to get you the price on your service!
I Want an Estimate Now!
Interested in receiving a free, in person estimate? Give our friendly and well-trained customer service team a call and they’ll help you set up an estimate and answer any questions you may have! Give us a call at 800-211-DAWG! Not able to give us a call for whatever reason? We’ll call you! Contact us online here to find a time that works best for you and we’ll reach out to you at your connivence. Have pictures or videos that you want to send us of your items? Text us at 317-597-4744 to receive a quick and easy electronic estimate.
Want to see how Fire Dawgs can transform your space? Follow Fire Dawgs Junk Removal on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to see how our team in action! We hope we provided you with valuable information on how to properly dispose of paint and we hope to earn your business and add YOU to our growing family!