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How to Dispose of Latex Paint
If you have leftover latex paint it is best to use it up or give it away for someone else to use. Latex paint is not hazardous, but it must be solidified before it can go in the garbage with the lid off. Latex paint can be hardened by adding cat litter to the can (recommend a ratio of one (1) part kitty litter to one (1) part paint) or by pouring it into a cardboard box containing cat litter. See how to dry out latex paint in this video by our staff.
Residents can also mix latex paint with commercial paint hardener according to the directions. At the end of that time, paint will have a tacky, oatmeal-like consistency that will not spill out. For smaller amounts, you can also paint on cardboard or newspaper and discard the newspaper/cardboard in the garbage when dry.
Oil based paint IS hazardous and must be disposed of at one of our household hazardous waste collection sites.
How to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
Properly disposing of leftover hazardous products can involve several steps. These are listed below.
First, determine if the material is hazardous. See the Hazardous Products page to find out. See the Hazardous Products and Healthy Alternatives list for less hazardous products or call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or toll free at 1-888-869-4233 for assistance..
If the material IS hazardous, there are several ways to manage it. These include
- Use it up.
- Bring it to one of the household hazardous waste collection services: Seattle - north, Seattle - south, Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Service the Auburn SuperMall Wastemobile, or the Wastemobile.
- List the hazardous material with the Industrial Materials Exchange, or IMEX, (generally available for businesses) to find out if a business (or individual) can use the material.
- Some problem wastes are not accepted by the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program but still require special handling. Examples include refrigerators (which contain Freon), asbestos and treated wood. To learn more visit Seattle Public Utilities, King County Solid Waste, or call the Household Hazards Line at (206) 296-4692 or toll free at 1-888-869-4233 for assistance.
- If the material is NOT hazardous, there are several options for disposing of it. These include: Recycle it.
- If it is usable, list it with the King County Online Materials Exchange or visit Keep Usable Goods Out of Landfills
- Dispose of it as garbage. Regulations for City of Seattle residents are found at Seattle Public Utilities Garbage Services. Regulations for King County residents (outside Seattle) are at King County Solid Waste Division Garbage and Recycling Services.
Look for reusable products?
The household hazardous waste collection facility in south Seattle, the Auburn SuperMall Wastemobile and the Wastemobile offer household products that other King County residents have turned in. These products include oil-based paint, stain and primer; wood care products; cleaning products like bleach and toilet cleaner; and automotive products like oil and antifreeze. Residents taking products need to complete and sign a release. This service may not be available at all Wastemobile events.
