Paint Disposal

We recently bought a house and the previous owner had left many paint cans (mostly latex) in the garage. In addition, we now too have several paint cans (mostly empty) that need to be disposed of. Does anyone know where I can responsibly dispose of them? I checked our Metro Recycling Center and they do not take latex paint cans (the majority of my current inventory... )

Anyone know where I can safely remove these from my life?

[Robin Garr]

This sounds like kind of a pain if you have a quantity, Ronnie, but here's the scoop from the Metro Website:

http://www.louisvilleky.gov/solidwaste/ ... erials.htm

PAINT DISPOSAL

While oil based paint or lead paint must be taken to HAZ BIN for disposal, water-based or latex paint is not a hazardous waste, and is not accepted at HAZ BIN. However, it can not be included with household garbage in liquid form.

If there is only a small quantity of paint in the can, remove the lid and let stand in a well-ventilated area away from children or pets until dry. For larger quantities of paint, or to speed up the drying process, stir in an absorbent such as sand, kitty litter, sawdust, vermiculite, or shredded paper.

Containers with dried latex paint (without lids) can be placed in tightly sealed plastic bags and placed in garbage containers for pickup.

Yeah, I read that as well Robin and quantity is my issue. With the space I have available for drying latex paint and the quantity of paint I have it would take me about a year to dry it all and then dispose of it.

Lowe's & Home Depot sell a powder additive that will dry out the paint quickly. The stuff works in just a few minutes. One package dried about 3 half cans.
Best way to get done, is to get started.

[Robin Garr]

I don't suppose the boat ramp at Cox Park in the dead of night is an option?

Thanks Bill, I'll look for it!

Robin, for shame!

Ronnie I'd save the paint and we can use it to paint the new bridge. (It'll be dried out by then! )

Not with these colors! If you thought the last paint job on the bridge was bad...

You could donate it all to the Habitat Restore across the street from the football stadium.

You might also want to try freecycle. There is possibly an artist, or someone of the like, that would take it off your hands.

Good suggestions, Dan and Beth. I'll pursue those options!

Cat litter will help dry the paint too.