Reduction Tips
PLAN AHEAD TO REDUCE WASTE
- Carefully measure the space to be painted.
- Determine how many coats of paint are needed. See the can label for information.
- Calculate how much paint to buy using this handy on-line paint calculator. You can also use this rule of thumb: purchase 1 gallon of paint for every 400 square feet of area to paint. Ask your paint retailer for additional help.
- Check with your county's solid waste management office for reuse opportunities. Many offer latex paint in their free product reuse area at the household hazardous waste collection sites.
Reuse Tips
STORAGE
Keep paint in good condition with these tips to improve reuse and recycling potential.
- Do not allow latex paint to freeze. Latex paint should be stored in a dry area at a temperature above 40º F. Don't keep paint in an unheated garage.
- Keep leftover paint free of contaminants such as mold and rust. Put a sheet of plastic wrap over the can before putting on the lid to keep rust out.
- Keep leftover paint in the original container, with a tight lid on it.
Disposal Information
- Take unwanted latex paint to a county household hazardous waste collection site.
- It's OK to throw away empty paint cans. To help ensure your waste hauler accepts latex paint cans, leave the cover off to show that the can is empty and dry.
- Dry out small amounts (less than 1 inch left in the can) of latex paint in a well-ventilated area. Simply remove the lid to let it dry out. Stir occasionally to speed up the process. Place the lids and the cans with completely dried paint in your garbage.
- Paint rollers and brushes that are not reusable may be dried out and placed in the garbage.
To find a household hazardous waste collection site near you, contact your county or see the Household Hazardous Waste page.
For more information on disposing of latex paint, contact your county.