I have two 5-gallon buckets of paint—one latex and one acrylic—that've been sitting around for several years. Each has a metal grid in them, which has started to rust. Normally, I know I can let the paint dry out and then throw it away, but given the condition of the metal, I'm wondering if that poses any extra safety issues? The paint looks and smells worse than just regular old paint. Any advice on how to dispose of this safely? Thanks!
3 Answers
To get rid of old paint safely, definitely let it dry out completely first. You might want to mix in some kitty litter or sawdust to soak up the excess liquid. Just make sure you're able to actually discard it in the trash afterwards! And if there's rust getting into the paint, it shouldn't pose much of a risk as long as the paint is dried before disposal. Just protect your hands when handling it, especially with the rust involved!
If you're in a state with paint recycling programs, that's a great option! Many hardware stores accept old paint and ensure it's dealt with properly. Just check if there's a charge or anything first. If you're dumping it, dried latex paint can go in the regular trash, while oil-based paints need to go to hazardous waste collections. Don't forget about that rust—better to avoid mixing anything hazardous into your normal waste.
Good point! Always best to check local regulations, since they can vary a lot.
You can also try using products like Krud Kutter to help harden the paint if it’s not dried out yet. That could make it easier to handle before disposal. Just be careful with that rusty metal!
Yeah, I'd recommend wearing gloves just in case. Better to be safe!