FAQs

Do you have questions about how to dispose of paint?

We created this section to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding paint disposal. This page serves as a quick guide to our services, as well. You can find out how we charge, the areas we cover, how to get rid of paint, and more. If it’s your first time searching for answers on how to dispose of paint, take a second to read through this text. You might assume throwing away paint is as easy as throwing away any kind of waste, but it’s actually a bit more complicated.

For starters, you cannot just throw out opened cans with liquid paint in them. So, how do you dispose of paint, exactly? There’s actually a whole process when it comes to the disposal and recycling process, and there are limited options available. You can either do the research yourself and dispose of paint at one of your local recycling establishments, or donate your unused paint to friends, family or charity. If you have a lot of unused paint on your hands, you can call a special service and have professionals take care of the recycling or donation process for you.

Dallas Paint Disposal operates in 19 different cities, including Dallas, Frisco, and Plano. We provide premium paint recycling services and can show up wherever you need us and take care of business swiftly. If you’re feeling adventurous, and you’re confident that you can take care of your unused paint problem alone, check out the FAQ below first. You won’t become a professional paint recycler by reading a list of questions and answers, but it can serve as a starting point. Or, the list can convince you to contact a professional team and skip any hassle that comes with paint waste disposal.

Yes, if it has not been mixed with anything and is standard house paint. We do not accept paint with lead or mercury.

We charge for all paint based on the container size of paint.

Yes, if it has not been mixed with anything and is standard house paint. We do not accept paint with lead or mercury.

That really depends on how well you’ve stored your paint. If you’ve kept it in a cool dry place out of the sunlight it may last up to 10 years, however; if you kept it under your back deck it may not last 6 months.

Depending on the condition of the paint and market conditions, paint may be recycled, paint to paint, donated, sold, sent for solidification, used in energy recovery, or other methods of proper disposal.

It cost a lot of money to collect, transport, and process your old paint.

Generally, you can treat dried paint as you would your household garbage. Be sure to contact your trash company for specific requirements as some companies have you remove the lid to prove that all paint is dry.

If it contains any liquid, no. If it is dry contact your garbage company for specific requirements.

No, we cannot accept paint once it has been mixed with anything including other paint.

Paints are generally referred to as being oil based or water based. If you have trouble determining your paint check its method for cleanup. Soap & Water indicates that it’s water based, whereas mineral spirits or paint thinner indicate that it is oil based.

Also look at the warning label on the container. If it states anything like “Flammable, Combustible, keep away from flames, Vapors may ignite, …” then this is a solvent based paint.

If you are still having trouble determining which type of paint that you have, look for an ingredient list. Typically, it will say water or some type of oil. (i.e. Linseed Oil) Alkyd is oil based.

Behr does have a product that looks like it is oil based, it says, “Oil Penetrating Formula” and then right below it says, “Easy Water Cleanup” this wood stain is a water-soluble formula.

Water Soluble Clues
Soap and Water Cleanup
Ingredient list includes “Water”
Warning Label does NOT mention anything about Fire.
Factory Packaged in a Metal or Plastic Container

Oil / Solvent / Alkyd Based Clues
Cleanup with Mineral Spirits / Paint Thinner
Ingredient list may include “Linseed Oil”
Warning Label – Flammable, Combustible
Factory Packaged in a Metal Container

If you are still uncertain please feel free to contact us or call 214-546-8394.

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