Tips for Recycling Paint Thinners

Paint thinner, though helpful in removing unwanted paint, is toxic to the environment, so you must take the utmost care when disposing of it. Once you have removed all the necessary paint residue, it is best to recycle paint thinner and not pour it down the drain, which will contaminate groundwater. Here are some tips:

• Offer the excess to a neighbor who is also involved in a painting project.
• If you are unable to find someone else who can use it then you can recycle it yourself until the next time you need it. According to Joseph Truini of “This Old House,” the process is pretty simple: Soak your brushes overnight in a jar. In the morning the paint will have settled to the bottom, leaving the paint thinner on the top. Gently pour the thinner into another jar for your next project.
• Leftover paint solids can be taken to your local household hazardous waste center, which can be found using Earth911.