1-.BUY THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PAINT FOR THE PROJECT
Be wise consumer and buy only what you need. Check with your paint consultant for instructions on how to determine the correct volume of paint required for your project. When you purchase the right volume of paint, it elieminates the need to store or dispose/recycle paint when the project is finished, and it might even save you money. When your painting project is complete, take a look in the can, if there is only a small quantity of paint left, use it up. Paint out the last inch or two of paint in the bottom of the can.
2-.STORE PAINT PROPERLY TO KEEP IT FRESH
If your project is complete and you still have a fair amount of paint leftover, be sure to correctly store the paint. Proper paint storage will eliminate safety concerns and keep your paint fresh for touch-ups or future projects. For best results, cover the opening of the paint with plastic wrap and securely seal the lid. When you are sure the lid is leakproof, turn the can upside down and store it in a place with a moderate room temperature to avoid freezing. Be sure to choose a safe location that is out of the reach of children and pets.
3-. USE UP LEFTOVER PAINT
Now that you have safely stored your leftover paint, don't forget about it. Leftover paint can be used for touch-ups or smaller projects and lighter colors can be retinted for another paint project. Record the room name on the lid for future touch-ups. You can blend and mix smaller quantities of latex paint to use as a base coat on larger jobs. Perhaps, you know a neighbor or relative who could use your leftover paint; now, that's being enviromental friendly!
4-.REUSE OR RECYCLE
If you cant't make use of the paint yourself, donate your useable leftover paint to a worthwhile community association, theatre company, church group or other local organizations that may be in need of good paint. Perhaps, your community offers a paint exchange event or a special paint collection program. Many communities collect paint for reuse, recycling or as a last, proper disposal through local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection programs. Check the "Earth 911" Paint Wise web portal at http://www.paint.earth911.org/ or call 1-800-clean-up, to learn about paint reuse, recycling and HHW collection programs that are available in your community.
5-.DISPOSE OF THE PAINT PROPERLY
If there is not a leftover paint collection program available in your area, you may need to dispose of leftover latex paint yourself. Air-drying of liquid alkyd or oil based paint is not considered safe. In regions that allow it, let your latex paint air dry in a safe location away from the children and pets. A small amount of paint, less than 1/2 inch, in the bottom of the paint can is easily dried out by living the lid off. Once the paint is hard, discard the paint can with the lid off, preferably in a metal recycling is not available or the paint container is plastic, dispose of the container in the garbage, larger volumes of latex paint can be dried in a box with absorbent material such as shredded paper or kitty litter. Recycle the empty can with the lid off and dispose of the dried out latex paint as garbage. If the paint in the can is solidified all the way through, it may be disposed of as garbage with the lid off to prevent the build of pressure in the can.
For more information go to DiscountPaint.net
Resource from National Paint and Coatings Association.
