Estimating how much paint you need for that job can be difficult and more often than not there is a good chance that you’ll have some paint left over.
Whether you’re a business handling large volumes of paint or a homeowner looking to dispose of a few half-used cans, knowing how to get rid of it the right way is important both for your health and the environment. If you don’t dispose of it correctly, it can lead to water contamination, the harming of wildlife, and even large fines levied upon you or your business.
This guide will explain exactly how to dispose of paint correctly, whether you’re a business or an individual, and even provide tips based on what type of paint you need to get removed..
Why Proper Paint Disposal is Important
You may wonder why you cannot just pour it down a drain or into the ground. Well, that is because paints have a range of harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful solvents that can cause massive damage to the environment.
- Water contamination: VOCs and heavy metals can contaminate the groundwater and leak into other waterways, harming its aquatic life.
- Soil pollution: Toxic chemicals in paint can prevent plants from growing and disrupt the food chain and local ecosystems.
- Air pollution: When oil-based paints and spray paints are incinerated, they can release toxic fumes, which can be harmful to anyone in their near vicinity, and if done for a prolonged period of time can drastically reduce the air quality.
In Brisbane, they specify rules based on the type of paint you’re looking to dispose of. If done incorrectly, it can lead to,
- Fines or penalties imposed by the Brisbane City Council for improper disposal.
- Environmental clean-up costs if contamination occurs, can be a very large financial undertaking with long-term responsibility if the damage is extensive.
- Legal action if hazardous waste disposal regulations are violated under Queensland’s environmental protection laws.
How Can Businesses Dispose Paint?
If you run a commercial business, chances are you have a larger quantity of paint to remove, it also means that your business will be the subject of stricter environmental regulations and will be audited more often for compliance.
If done incorrectly, it could not only lead to fines but also long-term brand damage to your business. People may even swap over to competitor services if they find out your business is harming the environment.
Bulk Disposal
Many councils offer bulk disposal services for businesses. However, if your company generates more than your monthly or yearly quote, consider partnering with hazardous waste management companies that have the skills and expertise to handle the paint within regulatory requirements. This is extremely important if your business has used exterior paints that contain more harmful chemicals.
These companies also offer pick-up services which can help save you time and money.
Recycling Paint
If you have used less harmful paints meant for the interior of your commercial property, local charities and community centres will often be very happy to accept leftover paints for arts and crafts projects. Partnering with places like this, it can help reduce waste and help find a better use for the paint rather than it ending up in landfills. This will improve your business’s standing in local communities and may even generate more projects for your business.
Paint Stewardship Programs
Paintback® is an example of a simple and responsible way of disposing of paint, it simply designates locations for businesses to drop off unused paint for recycling or safe disposal. They also accept any old paint-related materials like brushes or other empty cans, making it a very convenient solution.
How Can Individuals Dispose Paint?
If you’re a homeowner, you may be looking for a way to throw out a few half or quarter-left cans of paint. Thankfully, disposing of smaller quantities of paint is far easier and there are three simple ways to ensure proper disposal.
Home Disposal
If you have a very small quantity of water-based paint to remove, consider letting it dry out to form a solid. Mixing in either old newspaper, cat litter or sawdust can speed up this process. Once fully dry, simply bag and place in your bin.
Local Council or Community Drop-Offs
Many councils organise free hazardous waste collection days where you can dispose of oil-based and spray paints safely. These locations provide an easy and convenient way for you to get rid of paint without worrying about using proper disposal methods.
Reuse
Instead of throwing away leftover paint, consider using it for touch-ups or smaller DIY projects. Properly storing your paint can make it last for years if you keep it in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly sealed. This can be difficult given Brisbane’s heat, so consider using it sooner rather than later.
How To Dispose Different Types of Paints
Not all paints should be treated the same, so knowing what you have is imperative when properly disposing of those paints. The most common types of paints and how to dispose of them are,
Water-based or Latex Paints
If you have considered painting the inside of your home and are worried about what to do with the leftover paints, it is fairly simple as they are generally considered to be non-hazardous. However, it still contains some chemicals that can harm the environment, so don’t just pour it down the drain. Simply keep it in a well-ventilated area and let it dry, it shouldn’t take too long in sunny Brisbane and once fully hardened can be thrown in a bin or taken to hazardous waste facilities.
Oil-Based Paints
These paints are generally used for exterior painting and generally contain chemicals that are considered to be hazardous and can cause significant damage to your plumbing or local waterways if just dumped. Even just a few cans can have long-lasting effects on the environment. Instead, just consider taking it to hazardous waste facilities, or consider donating it to local art projects if the paint is in good condition.
Spray Cans
Since they have both paint and propellant, these cans are highly flammable. If handled incorrectly, the residual pressure inside it can cause it to explode. If the can is fully empty, you can place it in the recycling bin, but if there is still pressure inside, take it to a waste facility or designated paint collection point. Do not attempt to incinerate it as it can explode and release harmful chemicals.
What’s Next?
Proper paint disposal is not just about protecting the environment — it’s about safeguarding your health, avoiding fines, and maintaining a positive reputation in the community. Whether you’re a business handling large volumes of paint or an individual with a few leftover cans, knowing how to handle different types of paint responsibly can make a big difference.
By following Brisbane’s disposal guidelines and using responsible methods, you can prevent pollution, protect wildlife, and contribute to a healthier community. Don’t let leftover paint go to waste — take the right steps today to dispose of it safely and responsibly.
If you need help with a painting project or have questions about paint disposal, contact us today for expert advice and professional painting services in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.
