
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.
Materials Needed
- protective gloves, such as nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves
- chemical splash goggles
- glass jar with tight-fitting lid
Safety Precautions
- Do not recondition used paint thinner in a beverage or other container
that may be mistaken for food or drink.
- Recondition paint thinner in a well-ventilated area which is
inaccessible to children and animals. Keep lids tightly sealed.
- Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while working with paint
thinner.
- Recondition paint thinner in an area away from
sources of heat, spark, flame or ignition.
- Avoid inhalation of vapors. If you can smell it, you are breathing in
paint thinner vapors, so increase the amount of ventilation in the work
area. If possible, work outdoors. If working outdoors is not possible,
wearing an appropriate respirator is recommended.
- Always handle the glass jar containing paint thinner with caution to
avoid breakage.
Procedures to Recondition Used Paint Thinner
- 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.
- 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."
- 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.
- 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
- If possible, save the sludge in the tightly-sealed glass container for
a household hazardous waste collection.
- 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.
- 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.