Disposing of Household Paint – An Organizer’s Nightmare!

By Allison Carter, CPO®

Every house is loaded with this stuff and so far, there doesn’t seem to be an easy way to help clients get rid of it (in most areas.)

After much research, I have found a very very limited number of places that will accept paint and haul it away and even fewer that recycle.

(opportunity for some business is awaiting!!!)

So how do you dispose of old house paint properly?

You have a few options:

Use it up

Mix it up with other leftovers to create a brown and paint a storage room or area that doesn’t need a decorated look. Use it as an undercoat on your next paint job. Keep painting on coats until it is all used up. Buy just enough for the room.

Dry it up

• For cans more than 1/4 full: Dry with Waste Paint Hardener or cat litter, mulch, or shredded paper.
• For cans less than 1/4 full: Take off the lid and leave it out to dry.

After latex paint is dry you can safely send it off with regular trash pick-up.

Pass it on

donate to schools, theater groups or anyone else who wants paint.

Try offering it on Freecycle.org and Craig’sList.org (sign up for local area)

California and Oregon have some amazing Paint Recycling stores:

* Amazon Environmental – California http://www.nvo.com/amazon/door/

* Metro Paint – Oregon http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=521

* Los Angeles -  In the Los Angeles area there are household hazard waste disposal centers that accept paint, solvents, oil, etc. during business hours and on some weekend days. There are several located around the city and the way to contact them is to call the City of LA Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 800.988.6942.  For other city services such as “bulky item pick-up” the city will come haul away large bulky items such as old sofas, furniture, appliances, etc. for free. That number is 800.733.2489. Also, dialing 311 within Los Angeles will connect you to the same hotline.
If you know of other paint recycling / disposal resources please let us know!!

Would you like to use this in your newsletter, blog, or website? You can, as long as you use this complete blurb:  Allison Carter, CPO® is the lead trainer at Organizer U, providing learning opportunities for Professional Organizers everywhere.  If you’re ready to start your business, learn about the organizing industry, or refresh your current PO business, you can get your complimentary “10 Steps to Starting a Successful Organizing Business” at http://www.OrganizerU.com .