Product Care Association

When you want to spruce up your surroundings, nothing brightens up a room like a fresh coat of paint. Paint covers, protects and beautifies surfaces, and, when used properly, has little impact on the environment.
However, not every can of paint gets used up, and, if improperly disposed of, leftover paint can threaten our landfills, sewers and streams. Here are some tips for buying, storing and disposing of paint safely and responsibly.

When beginning a painting project, remember the BUD Rule. That is, Buy no more paint than you need, Use all the paint you buy, and Dispose of leftover paint safely. Ask your paint retailer to help you estimate how much paint your project will require. Not only will this save you money, but it will reduce the likelihood of having leftover paint at the end of your project.

Remember that the most cost-effective and energy efficient use for leftover paint is reuse. If you do have paint left at the end of a project, apply another coat to an area which could use extra protection. Mix smaller quantities of leftover latex paint together for use as a primer coat on a larger project. Be sure to keep a small amount of paint on hand for touchups.
If you can't reuse your leftover paint, you probably know someone who can. Offer leftovers to a friend, neighbour, or your local community centre, church, or theatre group.

To properly store paint, clean the rim of the can to ensure a proper seal. Pour 1/8" (3mm) of solvent on top of oil-based paint, or 1/8" (3mm) of water on top of latex paint to seal the surface, then secure the lid. Alternatively, stretch plastic wrap over the can opening, replace the lid securely, and store paint upside down. This will create an airtight seal to keep the paint fresh until you're ready to use it again. Always store paint away from heat sources at temperatures between 3 degrees and 35 degrees Celsius, and out of the reach of children.

If you must dispose of unwanted leftover paint, be sure to do so in an environmentally safe manner. The Product Care Association has established over 100 depots around the province to take back leftover household paint, varnish, shellacs and stains free of charge. When returning leftover paint, be sure to keep products in their original containers with labels on. Do not combine leftover paints with each other or with oils, solvents or other products. Make sure paint cans are properly sealed before transporting.
For more information about the Product Care program, for the paint collection depot nearest you, or for details on the disposal of non-paint items such as thinners, solvents and fuels, call the B.C. Recycling Hotline toll-free information line at 732-9253 (or 1-800-667-4321 outside the Lower mainland).

Do you have some crafty ideas for using leftover paint at home? If you do then send them to us and we'll publish them here on the Product Care web site and give you all the credit that a brilliant, creative and amazingly talented individual such as yourself richly deserves.