How do I dispose of old paint in Virginia?

The answer depends on what kind of paint it is. Latex (water-based) paint can usually be dried out and put in the household trash. Oil-based paint, stains, varnish and thinners are household hazardous waste: they go to your county or city's drop-off site or collection event, sealed in their original cans. Neither kind should be poured down a drain, onto the ground or into a storm drain.

First, sort latex from oil-based

The label usually tells you. Latex and acrylic paints say they clean up with soap and water; oil-based paints, stains and varnishes call for mineral spirits or paint thinner. If a can is so old the label is gone, treat it as oil-based. Then sort the cans into three groups: paint worth keeping or giving away, latex to dry out, and oil-based products and solvents for a hazardous waste drop-off.

Latex paint: dry it, then trash it

Fairfax County tells residents to let latex paint air dry and throw the container in the trash.^[1] For faster results, it suggests pouring it onto newspaper, letting it dry, and rolling the newspaper up for the trash.^[1] If you cannot dry it, the county takes the container at its household hazardous waste sites at the I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex.^[1]

The Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority, which serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Montgomery County, says its preferred method for latex paint is to dry it up with cat litter, mulch or sand and put it in the regular garbage once it is completely dry.^[2] It notes that drying is preferred but not required, that paint cans free of paint may be recycled, and that usable paint can be donated to non-profit organizations, day care facilities or a paint exchange.^[2]

A few practical points help. A thin layer at the bottom of a can dries fairly quickly with the lid off; a can that is half full can stay liquid far longer, so thicken it with litter or sand first. Dry it somewhere ventilated, out of the rain and out of reach of children and pets. It is ready when it no longer moves when you tip the can.

Oil-based paint, stains and thinners: the hazardous waste drop-off

EPA lists paints among the household products that can contain hazardous ingredients and need special care at disposal,^[5] and counts pouring household hazardous waste down the drain, on the ground or into storm sewers as improper disposal.^[5] Each Virginia locality runs its own program, so the rules for where, when and how much differ:

• Fairfax County. Fairfax County takes paint, paint thinner, stains, varnish and mineral spirits free of charge from county residents only, at the I-66 and I-95 sites, and may ask for proof of residency such as a driver's license or utility bill.^[1] It also runs a latex-paint-only drop-off.^[1]
• Richmond. Richmond's East Richmond Road Convenience Center takes paints, stains, varnish, primers, polyurethane, thinners and mineral spirits from city residents only, free, with paint limited to 20 gallons per month per household.^[3]
• Loudoun County. Loudoun County typically holds eight household hazardous waste collection events from March through November at sites around the county, not at the landfill.^[4] It limits each household to 15 gallons of liquid and 40 pounds of solid household waste, in liquid containers no larger than five gallons.^[4]
• Montgomery County and the New River Valley. In the New River Valley, the Montgomery authority accepts paints only at its household hazardous waste events, held twice a year for Montgomery County residents.^[2]

Elsewhere, search your county or city website for "household hazardous waste". Most programs list accepted items, dates and the proof of address they want.

Packing and driving the cans

Fairfax County's packing rules are a good standard anywhere: keep products in their original containers, do not mix them, seal the lids tightly, and label anything that is not in its original container.^[1] Set the cans upright in a cardboard box so they cannot tip, not in plastic bags, and put a leaking can inside a larger plastic container with a tight lid.^[1] Carry the box in the trunk or a pickup bed, ventilate the car if it rides in the passenger compartment, and keep flammables out of direct sunlight and away from heat, sparks and flame.^[1]

Never pour leftovers together to save space. EPA warns that incompatible products might react, ignite or explode when mixed, and that mixed leftovers may no longer be recyclable.^[5]

Keeping less paint around next time

Most paint piles up from overbuying and from cans kept "for touch-ups" long after anyone remembers which room they match. Write the room and date on the lid, keep one small can per color, and store it somewhere that does not freeze. EPA suggests buying fewer products that contain hazardous ingredients,^[5] which for paint mostly means choosing water-based products where they will do the job and buying close to the amount the project needs. Leftover deck stain and sealer follow the same rules; see how to stain a deck for the project side.

Stop and call a pro if

• Cans are rusted through, bulging or leaking. EPA says corroding containers need special handling and to call your local hazardous materials official or fire department for instructions.^[5]
• You find unlabelled containers, drums or chemicals you cannot identify. Leave them closed and ask your locality's hazardous waste program.
• Paint or solvent has spilled into a storm drain, a stream or a well area. Call your locality right away.
• A whole garage, basement or estate needs clearing and paint is only part of it. A junk removal company can take the rest of the load while you handle the hazardous items, or tell you up front what it can take.

Getting it done on Loclis

Paint is one of several things haulers refuse; see what can't go in a dumpster in Virginia for the rest. Browse more junk removal and moving answers, see junk removal businesses, or find junk removal and moving businesses around Blacksburg. When the cleanout is bigger than a few cans, describe the job on Loclis and get quotes.