Did you just complete a painting project, and have some paint left over? Or maybe you have old paint cans cluttering your garage and you’re not sure what to do with it.
The EPA estimates that homeowners and paint contractors store and throw out over 69 million gallons of paint annually. The combination of improper paint disposal and Florida’s shallow aquifers can contaminate water supplies and damage Florida’s environment. Bowman Painting is committed to being a responsible partner in the effort to protect Florida’s natural resources.
Through our hazardous waste removal program, we train our employees on how to properly dispose of waste and help our customers get rid of unused and unwanted paint. If you have old paint taking up space in your garage or storage areas, call us today to see how we can help.
However, there are some things you can do on your own. Since the paint can’t just be thrown away, there are a few ways you can get rid of your leftover paint, in a safe manner.
Aerosol Spray Paint – If a spray can is thrown away half-full or even 1/4 full then there’s a risk of it combustion because of pressure build-up, especially in the heat. Empty the can on a piece of cardboard, and then dispose of the can in the proper recycling.
Latex Paint – Latex paint cannot be dumped down the drain or tossed away after a project. With small amounts, perhaps less than an inch in a gallon can, it’s great to just let the paint air dry. With larger amounts, you can mix an equal amount of cat litter, stir it in and let it harden. If you have more than a half-gallon of paint, you’ll need to mix it in a larger bucket and get a lot of cat litter. If you don’t want to hassle with it, call Bowman Painting and we can provide some pricing for disposal.
Another option is to take the paint down to the local landfill. They will normally accept old paint from homeowners and process it safely. Unfortunately, for us, they will not take it from contractors. While this option is free, it also requires going to the landfill. Again, if you prefer not to hassle with it, give us a call.
Oil-Based Paint – This type of paint is considered hazardous household waste. With this paint, the easiest thing to do is contact a hazardous waste vendor, or contact us at Bowman Painting to take care of it. We’re expertly trained to get rid of the paint safely. Not only does this help you, but as previously mentioned, it will help the environment.
Pass It On: No matter how much paint is left, it can be donated. Artists, schools, theaters, community centers and more are often looking for paint for various projects they’re working on. The leftover paint might just make someone’s day! Also, some thrift stores will take paint.
If you’re ever unsure about where to dispose of your paint, contact us at Bowman Painting! We’ll make sure it ends up in the right place.
