Household Waste Guide
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Latex Paint
Latex paint is not accepted through the Household Hazardous Waste Program. Once dried, latex paint may be placed in your trash. See the instructions below to quickly dry out your latex paint.
To determine if your paint is latex, look at the label and find the ‘Cleanup Instructions’. For latex paint, you will be instructed to clean your brushes with ‘detergent and water’ or ‘soap and water’. If you are instructed to use a solvent, like mineral spirits, to clean your brushes or if the words ‘alkyd’ or ‘combustible’ are on the label, refer to the Kent County Household Hazardous Waste Program.
Disposal:
In dry conditions, latex paint will solidify within a few days using the following method. Do not use this method for oil-based paint.
Step 1: Find an area that will be protected from children, pets and weather but has adequate airflow. A locked screen porch or a high shelf in a well-vented garage or shed may be suitable.
Step 2: Remove the lid from the latex paint and discard - never put the lid back on.
Step 3: Mix in equal amounts of an absorbent material such as cat litter, sawdust or sand. The mixture should be the consistency of thick oatmeal.
If there is too much latex paint in the container to add absorbent material to, line a cardboard box with a trash bag and pour the paint into the lined box. Add the absorbent material to the paint and allow to dry.
For paints that have separated or cannot be mixed, pour the clear liquids into a cardboard box lined with a trash bag and mix an equal amount of absorbent material; allow to dry. Leave the solid paint sludge in the can to harden.
Step 4: Once hardened, the latex paint mixture can be safely and legally placed in your trash. Be sure to remove the lid prior to putting any paint can in the trash.
...Do not dump latex paint on the ground or down storm drains, where it will travel directly to surface and groundwater—someone's drinking water.
...Do not pour latex paint down the toilet or sink. Limit the amount of paint that is washed down your drain to brush cleaning.
...Do not dispose of liquid latex paint in the trash. It is illegal to place any liquid in your trash.
