Empty paint cans should be disposed of properly to avoid harming the environment. Here are some options for disposing of empty paint cans:
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Recycle: If there is a recycling center near you, you can recycle your empty paint cans. Many cities have paint recycling companies that will reuse your empty latex paint cans, free of charge.
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Throw in the trash: If the cans are empty or completely dry, they can be placed in the trash. However, it is recommended to remove the lids so that your waste hauler can see that the paint cans are empty or dry. If you are not sure whether the cans are completely dry, it would be best to treat them as hazardous waste.
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Bring to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event: For residential use, you may bring paint to one of the mobile Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events.
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Donate: If you have leftover paint, think about donating it to a local charity, nonprofit, place of worship, or theater.
It is important to note that aerosol paint and empty paint containers are not part of PaintCare’s program. Contact your city, county, or solid waste provider to find out how to recycle aerosol paint and empty paint containers in your area.
