Collecting Paint Waste
Always use a glass jar or container with a lid to collect paint waste and contaminated materials such as paper towels and tubes. Make sure to clearly label the container. Is the jar full? Then take it to your local hazardous waste collection point.
Cleaning Palettes
Scrape wet paint off disposable palettes with a palette knife and add it to the paint waste. Dried paint residues can be reused or the sheet can be thrown away with regular waste. Clean plastic, wooden, or glass palettes using the same method, optionally using paper towels for stubborn residues.
Cleaning Brushes
First, squeeze as much paint as possible out of the brushes using a palette knife, so you might be able to reuse the paint. Then wipe the brushes clean with a paper towel. How you fully clean your brushes depends on the type of paint you use.
Using Paper Towels
Use paper towels until they are completely saturated with paint to reduce waste. Is the paint still wet? Add it to the paint waste jar and seal it tightly. Is the paint dry? Then it can go in the regular waste. Always collect paper towels with oil paint in a tightly sealed container due to the risk of spontaneous combustion.
Cleaning Brushes with Oil Paint
Clean brushes used with oil or alkyd paint using odourless turpentine. Store the turpentine in a separate, labelled jar with a lid. Wash your brushes in this jar and seal it tightly to prevent evaporation and inhalation of fumes. After use, allow the paint to settle at the bottom. Pour off the clean turpentine for reuse. Clean the residue with a paper towel and place it in the paint waste jar. You may use disposable gloves to keep your hands clean; after use, place them in the jar as well.
Cleaning Brushes with Water-Based Paint
Clean brushes used with water-based or water-mixable paint in a large jar of water with a bit of dish soap. Then rinse them with soap and water in the sink. The water in the jar is now contaminated with paint and must not be poured down the drain. Let it settle and pour the clean water into another container for reuse. Clean the bottom with a paper towel and add it to the paint waste. You may wear gloves if you prefer.
Empty Tubes
Preferably buy tubes that match your usage to reduce waste. Have you used up a tube completely? Then add it to your paint waste jar. There are tools available to squeeze all the paint out of tubes. Only when the tube is completely empty may it be disposed of with regular waste.
Paint waste does not belong in regular waste or down the drain. For more information about regulations in your area, contact your local authorities.