Latex paint isn't considered a hazardous waste in most areas, and many hazardous waste collections won't accept latex paints manufactured after 1989. Latex paints manufactured before 1989 may contain mercury or lead and are considered hazardous materials. Trash collectors won't take wet paint, even if it's unopened, because paint spills on roads and garbage trucks are expensive to clean up. Instead, dry out your paint with a few easy steps -- or even better, donate it to someone who can put it to good use.
Instructions
1. Contact local schools, churches or theater groups to ask if they accept paint donations. If you recently purchased the paint, ask the store whether you can return it. Ask your neighbors and family whether they could use the paint.
2. Donate the paint to a local thrift store or Habitat for Humanity, which often has a thrift store associated with its volunteer work. In either case, the paint will be used.
3. Determine whether the paint was manufactured before 1989. If you're not sure, take it to a hazardous materials collection. If you know the paint was manufactured after 1989, you'll need to dry the paint so you can throw it away.
4. Place several layers of newspaper underneath your paint cans to protect the area.
5. Remove the lids of the paint cans and throw them away.
6. Add latex waste paint hardener to the cans of paint, according to the hardener's instructions.
7. Stir the hardener in thoroughly with a paint stick. Add about a cup of water to the mixture to activate the hardener.
8. Wait 30 to 60 minutes for your paint to harden. Once the paint has solidified, throw away the paint.
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