You’re done with painting, and your surfaces are all alive again. Well done, Oh intrepid do-it-yourselfer! As you look at the half-full can of paint, you realize that there’s no way you can use all of this before it starts to dry up and become unusable.
But you have an idea: You just heard that some stores recycle paint. However, you aren’t sure if Home Depot, your all-time favorite store for home improvement projects, is one of them. You stand there in the paint aisle, can of leftover paint in hand, and wonder: Does Home Depot recycle paint?
Well, if that’s what’s on your mind, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ve got everything you need to know about recycling paint at Home Depot. So, keep following along to get your answer.
Can You Recycle Old Paint at Home Depot?
Unfortunately, you can’t recycle old paint at Home Depot. Paint is one of the hazardous waste due to its flammability and toxicity, and is therefore not recyclable at Home Depot. However, you can use other organizations that accept old paint, for instance, Sherwin Williams. Just ensure that the paint meets their requirements.
Paint is a great way to spruce up any room in your house. It’s the difference between that lifeless-looking wall and beautiful, inviting space. But more often than not, we buy more than we need – which is totally fine!
Now, as you consider recycling as a way to get rid of your unwanted paint, it’s important to remember that not all home-improvement stores can recycle paint, and Home Depot is one such store. So, if you’ve been wondering if Home Depot can recycle your old paint, we’re sorry to say that the answer is no.
However, if you bought the paint and haven’t been pleased with it, you may be able to return it and get a refund as long as it’s within 30 days of purchase and you have the receipt with you.
But outside of that, you’ll need to find other ways to get rid of your old paint. Home Depot doesn’t recycle paint. The same applies to Lowes, it doesn’t accept old paint for recycling!
Even so, all is not lost! If recycling is the only option you want for your leftover paint, we still have some places where your old paint is accepted. A case in point is Sherwin Williams. This paint store will recycle your old paint as long as it meets their requirements.
Specifically, Sherwin Williams only accepts latex-based paints for recycling. If your paint is oil-based, you’ll have to find another way to dispose of it. Also, the paint must be in its original container with the label still intact. Otherwise, Sherwin Williams won’t accept it.
Is It Hazardous To Throw Away Paint?
Yes, it can be hazardous to throw away paint. The paint contains various chemicals, some of which can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. In addition, paint cans are often metal, so they can rust and leak chemicals into the ground if not disposed of properly.
Paint is undoubtedly a real champion in restoring the glory of any home surface. But as much we love paint, there are just some things we don’t like about it – like the fact that it can be hazardous to throw away.
Paint, after all, is full of chemicals. Some of these chemicals can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. As such, be careful where you store and what you do with your leftover paint. Otherwise, what you thought could be a simple project could turn into a dangerous situation.
Actually, it’s because of the hazardous nature of paint that many home-improvement stores don’t recycle it. Home Depot and Lowes, as we mentioned earlier, are two such stores.
How Long Can You Keep Paint Before It Goes Bad?
How long you can keep paint before it goes bad depends on the paint type and the storage conditions. Unopened and stored well, oil-based paints are the most durable and can last up to 15 years. As for the latex-based variety, the maximum they can go is 10 years. The chalk type and mixed milk paint are the least durable and can last up to 3 years and 2 weeks, respectively.
When it comes to paint, the durability isn’t cast in stone. Instead, it depends on whether the paint can is open or not, the type of paint, and your storage conditions. Generally, under optimum storage conditions, unopened paint will last longer than opened paint.
Specifically, oil-based paints are the most durable and can last up to 15 years. Latex-based kinds come in second and can last for up to 10 years. This shelf life comes down to an average of 5 years for used and well-kept paint. Chalk paint can remain usable for 1-3 years, while mixed milk paint only lasts 2 weeks.
How To Store Leftover Paint?
You should store leftover paint in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also essential to make sure the paint cans are well-sealed. Otherwise, sunlight, heat, and air may cause the paint to deteriorate and eventually go bad.
Storage is an essential part of every paint’s shelf life. It determines how long the paint will last and how well it will perform in the next project. And with that said, every passionate DIYer should know the ideal conditions to keep their paint.
And yes, if that’s what you want, then the following points should be of help;
1. 60 to 80 Degrees Fahrenheit is the Way
Most types of paint have an optimum storage temperature range of between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This range ensures that the paint doesn’t freeze or overheat. And as we all know, neither of these will leave your paint in its best condition.
2. A Dry Place Away From Direct Sunlight
Another crucial factor to consider is the location. Moisture can cause the paint to spoil and produce mold, which can harm your health. And of course, you can’t store it in direct sunlight, as this will cause harm to the paint. That leaves you with one option: keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place.
3. Keep it as it Came From the Store
Once you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to focus on the actual cans. Just like when you first bought it, the paint cans should be well-sealed. Sealing will protect the paint from air and sunlight, which are both enemies of every can of paint.
And whether or not you can achieve this goes back to how you open the paint can. Only use the right tool for the job. Otherwise, you may damage the lid and make it impossible to create the airtight seal that’s so important for storage.
4. Upside Down is the Way To Go
Finally, one more tip to consider if you want to ensure your paint lasts as long as possible. Store the cans upside down! That way, the paint will create its own seal and won’t be exposed to air.
As long as you follow these simple tips, your paint will last for a long time. But of course, if you can get just the amount you need, that would be the best option. It will rid you of the hassle of storage and the risk of losing it due to poor storage.
Can You Bring Empty Paint Cans To Home Depot?
The answer is no. You can’t bring empty paint cans to Home Depot. Like paint, Home Depot doesn’t accept empty cans of paint. Instead, consider disposing of them in your regular garbage bin. But of course, that should come after you’ve ensured that the cans are completely empty.
But again, if you don’t want to use your regular garbage bin for the empty cans of paint, you can still look for recycling centers that accept metal. You can do that by visiting the website of the Environmental Protection Agency. They have a search tool that can help you find the nearest recycling center for different materials.
What Products Does Home Depot Recycle?
Home Depot does recycle various items despite not being able to recycle paint cans. For instance, it works with Call2Recycle non-profit organization to recycle batteries. Other items that you can drop at Home Depot for recycling include plastic bags, cellphones, and LED bulbs, to mention but a few!
And as usual, the fact that what you want to be recycled is on their list of recyclable items isn’t an automatic green light to go ahead and drop it off. There are certain standards that the product has to meet for it to be accepted.
For instance, in the case of lithium-ion batteries, they have to be rechargeable and not weigh more than 11 pounds. Otherwise, you’ll have to look for other recycling options. We have other standards for other items, so check before you drop anything off!
How To Tell If the Old Paint is Still Usable?
You can tell if the old paint is still usable by examining the texture and the smell of the paint. If it has chunks or is watery, then it’s unusable. The smell should also be pungent and sour for it to be unusable. If it just has a faint smell, it might still be usable.
But again, before you conclude that the paint has gone bad, check it properly. As for the frozen paint, sometimes it can still be usable if thawed naturally. However, ensure that you don’t use direct heat as that might ruin it.
How To Properly Dispose of Paint Cans?
How to properly dispose of your paint can depend on the type of paint. The latex variety offers more disposal options since it’s less dangerous than the oil-based variety, which has more dangerous chemicals. So, the best way to get rid of your paint cans depends on the variety.
Let’s take a closer look at the two paint types;
Latex Paint
The latex paint is much safer and easier to dispose of. You can donate, take it for recycling, or even use your regular garbage bin. But before you opt for the last option, you need to ensure that the paint is dry. You can achieve that by leaving the can open, mixing it with litter, or buying a paint hardener.
Oil-Based Paint
The oil-based paint is more dangerous and should be recycled rather than disposed of in the regular routine. The recycling process eliminates the harmful chemicals in the paint before it’s safe for other uses. Of course, if donating is within your means, it’s the best option. Schools, community centers, and rescue centers are some of the places where you can take your old paint for donation.
Final Verdict
Home Depot is a giant home improvement store, but that doesn’t mean it can recycle everything. For instance, you can’t take your paint cans to Home Depot for recycling. However, it does accept things like plastic bags, batteries, LED lights, and others.
But fortunately, we have some organizations that accept paint, and you can take your paint cans there for recycling. But still, if the paint is in good condition and in the original container, donating it would be a perfect way to take. But most importantly, if you can do your estimates right, then buying the exact amount of paint you need will save you the trouble of disposing of the leftovers.
