Leftover house paint is not the easiest stuff to get rid of. You can’t simply throw it out without risking pollution and fines. Follow this action plan to either condense or dispose of your surplus—and win back some valuable floor and shelf space in the bargain.
Determine if the Paint Is Still Good
Original Content: Solvent-based paints have a 15-year shelf life. If you can stir it, it’s probably okay to use (even if you have to remove the “skin” on the surface first). Latex has a shelf life of 10 years. If it has been subject to freezing, it may not be usable. Test by stirring and brushing onto newspaper. If there are lumps, the paint is no longer good.
Additional Content: I’ve had cans of paint sitting in my garage for years, and I’ve learned that a quick stir can tell you a lot. Solvent-based paints, like oil or alkyd, are pretty hardy—some sources, like the Paint Quality Institute, suggest they can last even beyond 15 years if stored in a cool, dry place. Latex paints, though, are fussier. Freezing can break their emulsion, leaving you with a curdled mess. When I tested an old can of latex paint last summer, it looked fine until I brushed it on some cardboard—lumps everywhere! If you’re unsure about storage conditions, check the can for rust or dents, as these can compromise the seal and let air degrade the paint faster. A good rule of thumb: if it smells off or separates despite stirring, it’s time to move on.
Decide What to Keep
Original Content: If the paints are in colors that are still on your walls, it makes sense to hang on to them. They will be useful for touch-ups and repainting when the time comes. If the lids are loose, seal them carefully; transfer small amounts in smaller containers. Be sure to label with color name, number and date of purchase.
Additional Content: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve grabbed a can for a quick touch-up only to realize I forgot what wall it matched! Labeling is a lifesaver—use a permanent marker to jot down the room, color name, and brand. I also like to transfer small amounts into mason jars for easier storage; they’re airtight and take up less space. According to a 2023 survey by Sherwin-Williams, about 60% of homeowners keep leftover paint for touch-ups, but many forget to label them, leading to confusion later. If your lids are loose, a quick wrap with painter’s tape can help, but don’t wait too long to use it—air exposure can ruin paint faster than you’d think.
Look for Ways to Use the Leftovers
Original Content: Even if you’re sure the paint color is not one you’ll return to, consider mixing leftovers of the same paint type (latex with latex, acrylic with acrylic, oil with oil) to use as an undercoat primer.
Additional Content: Mixing leftovers for a primer is a trick I picked up from a painter friend, and it’s saved me a few bucks. Just make sure you’re combining paints with the same base—mixing latex with oil is a recipe for disaster, as their chemical compositions don’t play nice. A study from the American Coatings Association notes that using leftover paint as a primer can reduce paint waste by up to 20% in DIY projects. I’ve used a grayish mix of old latex paints as a base coat for a bookshelf project, and it worked like a charm. Just test your mix on a scrap piece first to ensure it spreads evenly.
Donate Paints You Don’t Want
Original Content: If you have good paint that you can’t use, offer it to family, friends and neighbors, or call a local paint contractor. Some charities may take paint too, especially those that do work helping the elderly with home renovations.
Additional Content: Donating paint feels good and keeps it out of the landfill. I once gave a half-gallon of perfectly good beige latex to a neighbor who was sprucing up their porch—it was a win-win. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity often accept unopened or lightly used paint for their ReStores, but call ahead to confirm. Some community theaters or schools might take it for set design, too. According to the EPA, nearly 10% of household paint ends up unused, so there’s a real demand for donations. Just make sure the paint isn’t expired or damaged before passing it on.
Dispose of What You Can’t Use and Can’t Give Away
Original Content: How you do it depends upon the type of paint, but it’s critical that it be done in a manner that won’t cause pollution to drinking water or waterways. One gallon of paint can contaminate many thousands of gallons of water, harm fish and aquatic plant life and eventually poison the food chain. Listed below are the proper ways to dispose of paint:
- Latex and acrylic paints: Many municipalities will allow you to solidify these paints and throw them away with the household trash. One way to do this is to mix it with a clay-based cat litter at a ratio of two parts litter to one part paint. Do this in a well-ventilated place that’s off-limits to kids and pets. Another way is to use an additive. I tried XSORB’s Rock Solid (view on Amazon) and found that about a cupful turned the old latex paint in the photos to a solid after an hour.
- Oil-based and alkyd paints: Check to see if there is a scheduled household waste collection day in your community (typically posted on your state’s Department of Environmental Conservation web site). You can also call your town hall. Bring paints to the specified collection site along with other toxic products you want to get rid of, such as paint removers, used solvents, pesticides, and herbicides. If your community does not offer this service, call your County Extension Home Economics Agent, the local waste management agency, your area’s water treatment plant or the local landfill, and ask what the procedure is for where you live.
Additional Content: Disposing of paint the right way is a hassle, but it’s worth it to avoid environmental damage. I learned the hard way when I tossed a can of oil-based paint in the trash years ago—turns out, it can leach chemicals into groundwater if not handled properly. The EPA estimates that improper disposal of paint contributes to over 70 million gallons of contaminated water annually. For latex paints, I’ve used the cat litter trick, and it’s surprisingly simple—just mix and let it sit in my garage with the windows open. For oil-based paints, I called my local waste management office and found a drop-off event nearby. If you’re dealing with a lot of paint, some recycling programs, like PaintCare, can save you time—they’ve recycled over 50 million gallons of paint since 2010. Always double-check local rules, as fines for improper disposal can hit a few hundred dollars in some areas.