Various household items clutter the corners of your home when you don’t know how to dispose of them properly, including leftover interior and exterior paints. Whether you just moved into a new home where the previous owners left behind old paint cans or you have expired paints, it can easily become something you procrastinate and let take up valuable garage space.
A good rule of thumb is that many types of paint can’t go into your regular trash, with the exception of latex paint. So, what can you do with it? Our Phillips Paint & Decorating Center team is here to provide practical and crafty tips on what to do with those old paint cans.
Where Can I Recycle My Paint Cans?
If you have paint in your cans, you generally have two choices:
- Dispose of it.
- Donate it.
You can often donate your paint to causes like Habitat for Humanity, PaintCare, and Reclaim It Home Centers. These allow you to drop off paints that are in good condition, and you no longer want to get them into the hands of people who need them.
Additionally, you could contact local schools and performance centers to see if they accept donations of unexpired paint cans for sets and other purposes. This option allows them to stay on budget while you give back to the community.
Where Can I Find Proper Empty Paint Can Disposal Near Lancaster, PA
If you have a dry, empty latex or water-based paint can, you may dispose of it in your regular trash. It might be a good idea to check with your garbage company first to be certain.
However, if you have oil-based or aerosol paint cans, it’s considered hazardous waste. Even if there’s only paint residue left in the can, it’s not fit for the trash.
You can contact the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) to find out what they accept and what they do not, as well as their drop-off days. They will take your paint cans, if your items meet their requirements, including oil-based, latex, spray, and exterior stain, free of charge.
How to Upcycle Your Empty Paint Cans
What if you don’t want to dispose of empty paint cans? Another way to recycle paint cans is through upcycling. Upcycling is the process of reusing items that would otherwise be thrown away, such as empty paint cans, and finding a new purpose for them.
If you’re creative, there are various crafts for clean, empty paint cans, such as:
- Ice buckets.
- Planters or flowerpots (don’t forget to drill drainage holes!).
- Paint brush organizers.
- Craft or tool storage containers.
- Trick-or-Treat buckets.
Visit Phillips Paint & Decorating Center Near Lancaster, PA, to Learn More
For your next painting project, contact Phillips Paint & Decorating Center near Lancaster, PA. Our team is here to help guide you through the entire painting process and even direct you to the best way to dispose of your full or empty paint cans.
To get started, call us at (717) 397-1616 or contact us online. Phillips Paint & Decorating Center proudly serves our local neighbors, including Lancaster County, York County, Chester County, Lebanon County, and Berks County, PA.
