Latex / Acrylic Paint Disposal
Water based Latex / Acrylic paint is non-hazardous and can be disposed of in the regular trash, provided it cleans up with soap and water and dried out.
Following these simple steps, you can dispose of latex / acrylic paint in the trash, year round.
- Check the label for an indication that the paint is latex or cleans up with soap and water.
- Gather the following materials: cardboard box; strong plastic trash bag; kitty litter or sand.
- Place a cardboard box on the ground. Place a strong plastic bag inside the box, fitting the open ends of the bag over the sides of the box. Place sand or kitty litter into the plastic bag.
- Open the paint can and pour the paint into the plastic bag with the kitty litter/sand, adding more kitty litter or sand, if needed. Mix together with a stick or branch.
- Leave plastic bag open and allow the air in. Wait for the kitty litter/sand to absorb the paint.
This may take from a few hours to a few days depending on weather conditions and the amount of paint.- When the paint is dry, pull the ends of the plastic trash bag together and secure tightly. Discard the plastic bag into the regular trash.
- Allow the residue inside the empty paint can to harden and then dispose of the can in the regular trash with the lid off.