PROPER PAINT DISPOSAL

A few years ago we purchased an investment house that came with a multitude of problems.  One of the least was the 35 gallons of ancient paint in the basement.  Some was even lead based.  This was a small town and no local hazardous waste facility.  It took a lot of research, but I finally found through the local trash company’s main office a knowledgeable woman who gave me the instructions on how to dispose of all the old paint.

It took 6 months, a 5 foot tall stack of cardboard and newspaper and 300 pounds of kitty litter to accomplish.  We only have 4 gallons to do here so this will be a quick process.

PROPER PAINT DISPOSAL 1STEP 1 – Arrange the cardboard boxes on top of plastic drop cloths .

PROPER PAINT DISPOSAL 2

STEP 2 – Open the cans and arrange the lids paint side up along the bottom of the boxes on top of several layers of old newspaper.

PROPER PAINT DISPOSAL 3

STEP 3 – Sprinkle a substantial layer of clay based kitty litter over the can lids.

PROPER PAINT DISPOSAL 4

STEP 4 – Pour the first can of paint over the kitty litter and spread even with a paint stir stick.

PROPER PAINT DISPOSAL 5

STEP 5 – Sprinkle another layer of kitty litter on top and allow to dry.  This process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the paint consistency and amount.  Ideally you want to make very thin layers and not make the boxes too heavy to lift.

STEP 6 – Sprinkle kitty litter all over the insides of the empty cans.

PROPER PAINT DISPOSAL 6

STEP 7 – When the paint is dry, toss the whole mess in your trash can.  Simple as that.

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