The one thing you need to do before throwing out old paint

With the New Year well and truly underway, many of us are spending time decluttering our homes. 

When it comes to leftover paint, there’s one thing you should always do before sending it packing.

Leftover paint can be hazardous making it all the more important to dispose of it correctly.

According to the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, the best option is to dispose of paint and other household chemicals at Household Chemical CleanOut events. Check your local council website for more information. 

Alternatively, tins with a small amount of leftover paint can be thrown away as long as it’s completely dry. 

“Empty paint tins or those containing completely dry paint can be safely disposed of in the garbage (general collection or recycling, depending on your council’s preference) or recycled for scrap metal after removing the lid,” the website says.

“If you have a tin containing a small amount of liquid paint, tip it out onto an adsorbent material such as newspaper or kitty litter then allow it to dry completely. The dry, solid paint can go into the general waste.”

This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.

Writer Livia Gamble

Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible use of bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.