Many people in the Boise area wonder how to dispose of paint. Most homeowners have a stash of partially used paint cans that have been collecting dust for years in their garage or basement. They may be holding onto them if they need to patch up a wall someday, but most simply don’t know how to properly dispose of them. Some paint is hazardous while others can be recycled or disposed of safely in a landfill. There are several different options when it comes to disposing of paint and we can help you know the proper protocol to keep us as well as our environment safe.
How To Dispose of Old Paint
There are two main categories of paint: water-based latex paints and oil-based paints. Water-based latex paints aren’t considered Hazardous Household Wastes and can typically be dried up and allowed to be taken away with the trash. Oil-based paints along with paint thinners and other solvents are considered Hazardous Household Wastes and aren’t allowed to be poured down drains or simply taken out with the trash.
Disposing of Water-Based Latex Paint
While there are some local governments that will allow water-based latex paint to be thrown away with the trash, the paint always needs to be in solid form before throwing it out. You can do this by allowing the paint to dry out completely by leaving the lid off and allowing proper drying time before discarding. Be sure to leave open paint cans out of reach of children and pets for safety purposes. If only a small amount of paint remains in the can, leave the lid off in a well-ventilated area until it solidifies. Try adding kitty litter, shredded newspaper, or waste paint hardener to partially full cans of paint to assist in the clumping process and help the drying along.
Disposing of Oil-Based Paint
It is never a good idea to leave numerous cans of oil-based paint to dry out because it can create a build-up of harmful fumes. Also, never pour oil-based paint down the drain or into the trash. In the Boise, Treasure Valley area, there are collection sites where you can drop-off
Household Hazardous Waste once a month in several different locations across the valley. Visit https://www.cityofboise.org for collection site locations, calendars, and maps of local recycling centers.
Household Hazardous Waste comes from products used for cleaning, car maintenance, lawn and garden care, and home improvements that can harm the environment and human health. Taking time to properly dispose of these products will help keep our community safe and clean.
How to Dispose of Paint Cans
Empty metal paint cans are accepted for recycling at most household waste recycling centers. Boise’s recycling program is very sophisticated, going through dozens of steps and sorting as part of their process. Western Recycling as well as Republic Trash and Recycle Services are both options to consider for all your recycling needs throughout Idaho.
How to Dispose of Paint Conclusion
If you have any questions about properly disposing of old paint in the Boise, ID area or regarding painting projects of any kind, contact Boise Home Painting today. Our team members are skilled professionals who take great pride in their work. We take the time to find out exactly what you want and we promise to deliver. We guarantee our work and will treat your home like it’s our own. If you have any questions or need help with a home painting project, we can help! We do exterior, interior, cabinets, baseboards, and more.
