Using paint thinner

Source: Missouri Household Hazardous Waste Telephone Advice Manual, April 1994, Household Hazardous Waste Project

Never put paint thinner into the trash or down the drain. If disposed of improperly, paint thinner can contaminate our water resources and the environment. Instead of throwing away used paint thinner, recondition it for reuse.

A word of caution: This management option may cause harm to human health and the environment if the described procedures are not followed carefully.

Gloves Goggles Materials Needed

Safety Precautions

Procedures to Recondition Used Paint Thinner

  1. Small amounts of used paint thinner can be poured into oil-based paint or stain of the same tint. Mix the thinned paint or stain for a second coat or another project.

  2. For larger quantities, pour the used paint thinner into a glass container. Fasten the lid tightly. Label the container with the type of paint thinner and the date. Write a clearly visible warning, such as the words "DANGER," and "DO NOT OPEN."

  3. Store the glass container away from sources of heat, spark, flame or ignition for several weeks to months until the paint sludge settles to the bottom.

  4. Carefully pour the clean solvent off the top. This solvent can be reused. See directions below for handling paint thinner sludge.

Procedures to Handle Paint Thinner Sludge

  1. If possible, save the sludge in the tightly-sealed glass container for a household hazardous waste collection.

  2. If a household hazardous waste collection is not available, remove the lid and allow the remaining paint sludge to dry completely. This option should only be recommended if local air pollution officials approve. Do not solidify paint thinner sludge in the house, garage or where there is source of heat, spark, flame or ignition. These sources include water heaters, light switches, pilot lights and motors. Volatile and flammable chemicals can concentrate in an inadequately ventilated room and explode or cause a fire.

  3. When all of the liquid has evaporated, the hardened sludge may be discarded in the trash destined for the landfill. This option should only be recommended if local solid waste officials approve of this type of waste going to the sanitary landfill.


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