I just shared this information in my weekly newsletter, and I wanted to park it out here for future use!

Let’s also talk… paint! As I wrote a newsletter about garages, my friend Jen asked “Where  Can I Dump Paint?”  Excellent question, friend, and here are some answers:

• Paint should be stored inside your home away the extreme temperatures found in a garage.  Paint should never freeze.
• Check out this non-profit organization, Earth Paint in Wood Dale, IL to recycle your household paint:  http://earthpaint.org/.  
• Check with your local Habitat for Humanity regarding donating still-usable paint.
• In the Spring and Fall, check your metropolitan area for paint and hazardous material recycling events.
• If you live in Evergreen Park, contact Waste Management At Your Door to schedule a pick-up of paint, hazardous materials or e-waste, https://wmatyourdoor.com/
• If you have to purge paint:
• Paint should never be poured in the ground or down the drain.
• If you have water-based or latex paint and can be patient about its disposal, pry the lid off and leave it to dry out in your garage out of reach of children or pets. Once dry, the can should be disposed of in your regular weekly garbage collection.
• To expedite the drying process or if you have oil-based paint, you can purchase paint hardener (like this) to add to the old paint, wait 20 minutes until it is hard as a rock, then dispose of the can in your regular garbage collection.