Tip Tuesday – Pitch Your Paint

I always find gallons and gallons of paint in my clients’ homes, most of it past its prime. People have inherited paint from past homeowners, have never-opened cans from questionable color choices, or just overbought and have more than they will ever need for quick touch-ups. And everyone dreads doing something to get rid of it!

In honor of Earth Day (April 22nd), I encourage you to make a promise to pitch your paint! There are a few ways to do it according to Good Housekeeping. If you:

WANT TO DONATE IT: 
If the paint is still usable, offer it up to others on Next Door or Freecycle. Paint Care has a partnership with paint stores across the nation, and locally there are many places in Washington, DC that accept paint any time!

WANT TO TOSS IT:
For latex- and oil-based paints, just open those cans up and let it dry out. To speed up drying, use shredded paper, kitty litter, or paint hardener. Once the paint is 100% dry, then you can put it in with your regular trash.

DON’T WANT TO WAIT FOR DRY PAINT:
Locate a place that accepts hazardous waste and drop it all off. Earth911 is a great nationwide database of where you can dispose of and recycle just about anything! May 4th is the Arlington Spring ECARE (“Environmental Collection and Recycling Event”) Day, giving you an easy way to get rid of all your hazardous waste! Even better, you have a couple of weeks to gather all the paint together.

WANT TO PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT:
There is a fabulous, woman-owned business called Yuck Old Paint. They will come and collect all of your paints, varnishes, and lacquers in the Mid-Atlantic region. All you have to do is call.

So there you have it. Take your spring cleaning to the next level and PITCH THAT PAINT! The challenge is on! Tell us how many cans you got rid of and how!