[grandma-annie]

The previous owner left quite a few paint cans behind. I don't want to put them in the trash, but don't know how to dispose of them. Some have quite a bit of paint in them...

[Parker]

My father bought a villa from the children of a resident who died. She too had many partially empty paint cans. We've had a heck-of-a-time getting rid of them. The city won't take them unless their completely dry with the lids off. You can't legally put them in the regular trash. The local dump won't take them. So what's a body to do? Dad ended up paying some local workers to take them. BUT, there is an annual 'Amnesty day' in March coming up where the city will take normally forbidden items. Good luck!

[rjm1cc]

To start take the lids off and let them dry out. You will probably have to break up the top dry layer so the rest can dry. Try MCBCC | Solid Waste Department | Hazardous Waste and
Hazardous Waste Acceptable Items for Marion County. I assume the other counties also have a site.
Looks like you take them to the landfill.

[villagerjack]

Ther is an ingredient to mix into the paint that will dry it for dispsal, someclaim tomake it environmentally safe. friendly.[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Homax-3535-Waste-Away-Hardener-3-5-Ounce/dp/B000DZD8PG/ref=pd_cp_hi_0]Amazon.com: Homax 3535 Waste-Away Paint Hardener, 3.5-Ounce: Home Improvement[/ame]

[gomoho]

If the cans are at least 3/4 full Habitat for Humanity is happy to take it. There is a recycle center on Rolling Acres that will take the paint if you live in Lake County.

[Uptown Girl]

Originally Posted by villagerjack

Ther is an ingredient to mix into the paint that will dry it for dispsal, someclaim tomake it environmentally safe. friendly.Amazon.com: Homax 3535 Waste-Away Paint Hardener, 3.5-Ounce: Home Improvement

I have used this product. It will dry latex paint in the can in a matter of hours.
The little logo at the end of vj's post (post #4) )is a convenient link to buy it on Amazon.

I have also used clay-based kitty litter. They recommend dumping the ball out of the can when it has dried.
ALSO, the paint can must be open or they won't take it. Toss the lid in the garbage separately.
Donating good, almost full cans is always a great idea.

[tommy steam]

Originally Posted by grandma-annie

The previous owner left quite a few paint cans behind. I don't want to put them in the trash, but don't know how to dispose of them. Some have quite a bit of paint in them...

Just wondering....what do all the painters who are painting new homes here, do with their paint cans?

[gomoho]

Good question, but I believe the OP has paint in those cans they need to get rid of. An empty can may be put out with your regular garbage.

[Bocar]

Shredded newspaper works well....stuff as much as you can into the left over paint and wait for it to soak it up....takes some time and may need to add more if necessary...but is environmentally safe. After it hardens may be put in the trash without the lid.

[Uptown Girl]

Originally Posted by Bocar

Shredded newspaper works well....stuff as much as you can into the left over paint and wait for it to soak it up....takes some time and may need to add more if necessary...but is environmentally safe. After it hardens may be put in the trash without the lid.

Another really good idea!!!
And, P.S. Welcome to TOTV Bocar!

[Portia]

Use kitty litter it works real fast..and you just dump it out..and let the can dri out..

[luisthegeek]

see if there is an art group or a friend who paints or does crafts. There are many places you can donate them to.