Introduction
You often come across so many occasions when you are left with leftovers, but how to deal with residual paint is not something you’re used to. But in this article, we enlighten you on how to dispose of the extra color and why it is important to deal with it while disposing of it carefully.
The paint contains combinations of chemicals hazardous to the health of walls and our; you must be cautious before using the paint stored in the room since long ago. Old paint is no use, but this doesn’t mean you can dispose of it in the garden or sink.
Why is Paint disposal important for us?
There are two ways to get rid of excess paint; either you can dispose of the color if it stinks or recycle it before it starts to stink. Let’s understand why & when the disposal becomes unavoidable.
The Paint Starts to stink
Paints are infused with various chemicals that expire after a certain time; the average shelf life of the paint is up to 10 years. Once this period is passed, you should stop using the paint.
To Protect the Environment
The paint contains high-level VOCs and many other flammable toxins, which can be very hazardous to the soil; if not disposed of properly, paint can degrade the soil quality and weaken fertility.
Paint is harmful to water
It is scientifically proven that paint can potentially pollute the water too. So, if you’re thinking of pouring the color into the waterways. You’re not doing justice to marine life & creatures.
Expired Paint is Dangerous to the toddler too
Toddlers get enticed by the vibrant and vivid colors, but it can be risky if they touch the expired paint with bare hands. If it can cause skin rash and skin reactions as the paint is too harsh for the sensitive skin of toddlers.
Never Put the Hardened in the trash bins
Whether the paint is solidified or expired, could you not put it in trash bins? There might be a chance that paint chemicals react with other particles, consequences in smog and air pollution, which is not good for the liver and AQ index.
But relax! We have a step-by-step guide for you on how to dispose of paint responsibly without harming anyone.
Steps to Dispose of Paint
Using paint is widespread, but we barely think about the phenomenon when the paint is expired and how we, as responsible citizens, should dispose of it.
Step 1: Check the expiry dates and quality of the paint
Before disposing of the wastes like paint, you must check if the paint is expired or not. If you find the paint changing its color and texture and getting odorous, then disposing of the paint is the safest and wisest decision.
The quality of the paint is not the worst for the walls’ health but yours too; store the paint away from perishable food items too.
Step 2: Add The Cat’s litter or lots of paper
There are two best possible ways to dispose of the paint safely. The first one is with cats litter
- Surprisingly, cat litter does a wonderful job disposing of the paint; add the same amount of cat litter mixed with clay and solidify the paint.
Cat litter has the power to nullify the chemical properties of paint, and when the paint is dumped in trash cans, it causes no harm. Over time, the chunks of litter will break down and ensure no one gets harmed.
- The second way to dispose of the paint securely is to add a lot of paper in the color till the paper soaks all the paint. You must make sure the quantity of paper should be thrice as the paint.
The moment when paper becomes thick and all the color is absorbed, you can go for dumping it in the yard because the form has immersed the toxins of the paint.
And the bright side, you can create something creative from that mushy paper.
These are the two-fold steps you need to take to dispose of the paint, which is very easy and reliable.
Use and storage of paints
After painting the house, you can not immediately dispose of or throw out the paint; the average shelf life of lacquer is 5-10 years. During this period, you are safe to store paint in the store room.
- Keep the paint away from direct sunlight; this is obvious advice but often overlooked by people.
- Use air-tight containers so the air entrance will not affect the quality of the paint. Double-check if you’ve closed the lid properly.
- Keep the cans out of the reach of the children, or else they will get wasted only.
- Chemicals such as ethanol and gasoline should not be kept alongside the paint; paint is flammable.
Paint recycling
Paint is an immensely relaxing and satisfying thing. Colors have powers to soothe, and you can enjoy leisure using paint and make something creative out of them.
- Paint the tires and make a plant pot out of them.
- Paint some graffiti and freehand art on the garage walls.
- You can resell the excess paint either at any shop or to your neighbor.
- Paint the bulbs in beautiful colors to make the dinner gala more fun and vibrant.
Everything around you is reusable, and recycle all you need to have a perspective with a lot of creativity.
Conclusion
Paint, when left recklessly, is very unhealthy for the environment, kids, and everything under the sun. You need to be attentive when storing the color in the house and never make the mistake of dumping it into the soil naked. It can harm the environment in uncountable ways.
Make sure you go through all the vital details mentioned in this article before disposing of the paint.
