You can safely dispose of latex (water based) paints in your regular garbage AFTER allowing it to dry. Below are a few methods for drying it.

  • Simply open the can and let it dry (this may take a while).
  • Hang cardboard on a wall, or place cardboard on the ground, paint it with a brush or roller until the paint is used. Leave the top off the paint can, let all of the paint dry, and then dispose of it.
  • Place newspaper in a cardboard box and pour in the paint. Leave the top off the paint can to allow the paint in the can to also dry, and then dispose of it.
  • Mix an absorbent (like sawdust or clay based kitty litter) with the paint, mix, let dry and throw away.
  • Mix in a paint hardener. You can purchase these at any hardware store or even on Amazon.

When the paint is dry, you can throw it away with your regular garbage.