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Painting Prep and Clean Up
The Best Ways to Get Rid of Leftover Acrylics & Paint Water Download Article Responsibly toss your old acrylic paint with our expert advice Co-authored by Jeff Baldwin and Hunter Rising
Last Updated: April 17, 2025 Fact Checked
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Getting Rid of Leftover Acrylics
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Throwing out Paint Water
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Can acrylics go down the drain?
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Cleaning Acrylic Brushes
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Expert Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
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This article was co-authored by Jeff Baldwin and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 97,219 times.
When you’re finished with an acrylic painting project, then it’s time to clean up and get rid of the old paints. While you can’t rinse the paints or brushes in your sink, you can still dispose of your paints at home with a little extra care. We spoke with residential painter Jeff Baldwin to help you learn the safest ways to get rid of acrylic paints and rinse water. Plus, we’ll cover how to clean acrylics off your brushes, too!
Proper Acrylic Paint Disposal
When small amounts of acrylic paint are completely dry, toss it in your trash can. If you have a large amount of paint, mix it with cat litter before putting it in the garbage. Otherwise, donate the paints or take them to a hazardous waste disposal site.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Get Rid of Leftover Acrylic Paint
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1 Toss dried acrylic paint into your trash can. Jeff Baldwin, a residential painter, says that, “If it’s a small amount [of acrylic paint], you can let it dry out and throw away the can.”[1]X Expert Source Jeff BaldwinResidential PainterExpert Interview Leave the paint in a well-ventilated space for several days so it has a chance to completely dry out before putting it in your trash.[2]XResearch source
Most areas allow you to throw out dried acrylic paint cans as long as they contain less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of paint. Contact your area’s waste management facilities to find out if there are any other disposal restrictions.
For larger amounts, mix the paint with cat litter or a specialty paint hardener. Wait for about an hour for the paint to solidify before throwing it away.
Put empty acrylic paint tubes in with your regular garbage.
Can wet acrylic paint go in your trash? Since wet paint could still harm the environment, you should always let it dry out before tossing it in your garbage can. If you have jars or containers that still have wet paint inside, wipe them out with paper towels before throwing them away.
2 Take large amounts of paint to a hazardous waste recycling center. If you have cans or full containers of acrylic paint, contact your city or county waste management service to find the nearest drop-off center. Take your paints directly to the center so they can be properly reused or safely thrown away.[3]XResearch source
Check with local community centers to see if they’re hosting any hazardous waste dropoff events where you can take your old acrylic paints.
Try using a site like PaintCare to find local dropoff sites in your area.
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3 Check local paint stores to see if they accept old acrylics. Residential painter Jeff Baldwin recommends checking with the store where you originally purchased the paint to see if they’ll accept your old acrylics. Otherwise, contact hardware stores and other specialty paint shops to check if they’ll take the paint off your hands.[4]X Expert Source Jeff BaldwinResidential PainterExpert Interview
You may have to pay a small recycling fee when you take old acrylic paints to a store.
4 Donate leftover paint to other artists or people in your community. If your paints are still in good condition and can still be used, reach out to neighbors, schools, community centers, or artist studios to see if they could use the acrylics. They’ll definitely appreciate saving money on expensive paint costs.[5]XResearch source
Advertisement Section 2 of 4:
Disposing of Acrylic Paint Water
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1 Mix the paint water with cat litter and toss it in your trash. Fill a small container with cat litter and pour in the acrylic paint water. Stir the water into the cat litter and let it sit for about an hour to clump up. After that, scoop out the litter and toss it into your trash can.[6]XResearch source
Keep a small container of cat litter near your easel so you can pour in the water as soon as you've finished painting for the day.
2 Pour the paint water through a coffee filter to remove the acrylics. Set a coffee filter over a container and pour the paint water through it. The acrylic paint residue will separate from the water and stick inside the filter. Then, just pour the clean water down the drain. Leave the acrylic residue in a ventilated, sunny spot so it dries out completely before tossing it in the trash.[7]XResearch source
If you don’t have a coffee filter handy, mesh pantyhose will work well in a pinch.
Advertisement Section 3 of 4:
Can you pour acrylic paint down the sink?
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No, you should not pour acrylic paint or paint water in your sink. Jeff Baldwin, a residential painter, says “Don’t pour [acrylic paints] down the drain, into landscaping, or anywhere else it can get into the water table.”[8]X Expert Source Jeff BaldwinResidential PainterExpert Interview Acrylic paint residue can harden and clog your pipes. Additionally, the acrylics are harmful and can pollute the environment.[9]XResearch source
In many areas, it’s illegal to pour paint down the drain or into waterways.
Section 4 of 4:
Cleaning Acrylic Paints off Brushes
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1 Wipe off excess paint onto a paper towel. If you still have a lot of paint on your brush, spread the excess into a thin layer on a scrap piece of paper or a paper towel. Try to get as much paint off as you can. After the paint dries, just toss the paper or paper towel out.[10]XResearch source
2 Rinse the paint off in a cup of water. Fill a cup with water and swish the brushes around to remove as much loose paint as you’re able to. Clean your brushes thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Continue swishing your brushes and patting them dry until no more paint comes off of the bristles.[11]XResearch source
Avoid rinsing your brushes in a sink so you aren’t putting any acrylic paint down the drain.
Remember to pour the paint water into cat litter or filter out the acrylic residue before pouring it out.
3 Soak brushes with dried paints in a brush cleaner. If your brushes are gunked up with paint, fill a container with water and add in a squirt of the brush cleaner. Swish the brushes in the soapy water and leave them to soak for about 20–30 minutes. After that, wipe the brushes with a paper towel and rinse them in a cup of clean water.[12]XResearch source
Filter the acrylics out from the water, or mix the water with cat litter to toss it in your trash.
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Expert Q&A
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Question Is acrylic paint safe to go down the drain? Jeff Baldwin Residential Painter Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing. Jeff Baldwin Residential Painter Expert Answer You should never rinse acrylic paint down the drain since it can contaminate the water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
Question Can I recycle acrylic paint? Jeff Baldwin Residential Painter Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing. Jeff Baldwin Residential Painter Expert Answer Check for a hazardous recycling center in your area to see if they accept acrylic paint. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
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Tips
Only use as much paint as you need for your project so it doesn’t dry out and go to waste. If you want your acrylics to stay wetter for longer, cover your palette with cling wrap in between painting sessions. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Proper paint disposal varies depending on your location, so always check with your city’s waste disposal services to see how to get rid of unwanted acrylics. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Warnings
If you’re getting rid of solvent-based paints, like oil or latex, residential painter Jeff Baldwin warns to never toss them in your trash. Take them to a proper waste disposal facility so they’re safely thrown away.[13]X Expert Source Jeff BaldwinResidential PainterExpert InterviewThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References
↑ Jeff Baldwin. Residential Painter. Expert Interview
↑ Jeff Baldwin. Residential Painter. Expert Interview
↑ https://youtu.be/sG_wXxu7W0o?t=172
More References (4)
↑ https://youtu.be/WzDnorAzWVU?t=34
↑ https://youtu.be/sG_wXxu7W0o?t=79
↑ https://youtu.be/rulpdwHCVaQ?t=44
↑ Jeff Baldwin. Residential Painter. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: Jeff Baldwin Residential Painter This article was co-authored by Jeff Baldwin and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing. This article has been viewed 97,219 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 11Updated: April 17, 2025 Views: 97,219 Categories: Painting Prep and Clean Up In other languages Spanish Portuguese
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Reader Success Stories
Kathleen Bradley
Jul 14, 2020
"I use a very small amount of acrylic paint but wasn't sure about the environmentally safe way to dispose of the water, which has some paint in it. And I am grateful to have the information."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Jeff Baldwin Residential Painter Co-authors: 11Updated: April 17, 2025 Views: 97,219100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Kathleen Bradley
Jul 14, 2020
"I use a very small amount of acrylic paint but wasn't sure about the environmentally safe way to dispose of the water, which has some paint in it. And I am grateful to have the information."..." more Share yours!
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Download Article Responsibly toss your old acrylic paint with our expert advice Co-authored by Jeff Baldwin and Hunter Rising 
How toRemove Acrylic Paint 
How toGet Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes 
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Co-authored by: Jeff Baldwin Residential Painter This article was co-authored by Jeff Baldwin and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing. This article has been viewed 97,219 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 11 Updated: April 17, 2025 Views: 97,219 Categories: Painting Prep and Clean Up In other languages Spanish Portuguese 
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1 Toss dried acrylic paint into your trash can. Jeff Baldwin, a residential painter, says that, “If it’s a small amount [of acrylic paint], you can let it dry out and throw away the can.”[1] Leave the paint in a well-ventilated space for several days so it has a chance to completely dry out before putting it in your trash.[2] 
2 Take large amounts of paint to a hazardous waste recycling center. If you have cans or full containers of acrylic paint, contact your city or county waste management service to find the nearest drop-off center. Take your paints directly to the center so they can be properly reused or safely thrown away.[3] 
3 Check local paint stores to see if they accept old acrylics. Residential painter Jeff Baldwin recommends checking with the store where you originally purchased the paint to see if they’ll accept your old acrylics. Otherwise, contact hardware stores and other specialty paint shops to check if they’ll take the paint off your hands.[4] 
4 Donate leftover paint to other artists or people in your community. If your paints are still in good condition and can still be used, reach out to neighbors, schools, community centers, or artist studios to see if they could use the acrylics. They’ll definitely appreciate saving money on expensive paint costs.[5] Advertisement 
1 Mix the paint water with cat litter and toss it in your trash. Fill a small container with cat litter and pour in the acrylic paint water. Stir the water into the cat litter and let it sit for about an hour to clump up. After that, scoop out the litter and toss it into your trash can.[6] 
2 Pour the paint water through a coffee filter to remove the acrylics. Set a coffee filter over a container and pour the paint water through it. The acrylic paint residue will separate from the water and stick inside the filter. Then, just pour the clean water down the drain. Leave the acrylic residue in a ventilated, sunny spot so it dries out completely before tossing it in the trash.[7] 
No, you should not pour acrylic paint or paint water in your sink. Jeff Baldwin, a residential painter, says “Don’t pour [acrylic paints] down the drain, into landscaping, or anywhere else it can get into the water table.”[8] Acrylic paint residue can harden and clog your pipes. Additionally, the acrylics are harmful and can pollute the environment.[9] 
1 Wipe off excess paint onto a paper towel. If you still have a lot of paint on your brush, spread the excess into a thin layer on a scrap piece of paper or a paper towel. Try to get as much paint off as you can. After the paint dries, just toss the paper or paper towel out.[10] 
2 Rinse the paint off in a cup of water. Fill a cup with water and swish the brushes around to remove as much loose paint as you’re able to. Clean your brushes thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Continue swishing your brushes and patting them dry until no more paint comes off of the bristles.[11] 
3 Soak brushes with dried paints in a brush cleaner. If your brushes are gunked up with paint, fill a container with water and add in a squirt of the brush cleaner. Swish the brushes in the soapy water and leave them to soak for about 20–30 minutes. After that, wipe the brushes with a paper towel and rinse them in a cup of clean water.[12] 
Jeff Baldwin Residential Painter Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing. 
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