Recycling paint in Reno is a great way to be a little greener.
Did you know that paint is considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly? Otherwise, it will end up in lakes, streams, and eventually in your food!
The best way to be “green” while completing your painting projects is to buy just enough paint, so you don’t have to throw any away. But judging by my experiences as a handyman in Reno, this is rarely the case. In fact, according to KTMB, 10% of household paint gets wasted on average. That’s a real bummer for lakes, streams, and the community’s health if not disposed of properly.
Unfortunately, disposing of hazardous waste in Reno is inconvenient, but it can be done. Here’s how.
Where to go to recycle paint in Reno or Sparks, NV
Unfortunately, there is nowhere in Reno or Sparks to recycle paint currently (that I’m aware of). The closest place to recycle paint is in Carson City at a PaintCare location. But you can’t recycle any old paint. It needs to be labeled, have a functioning lid, and be usable paint.
Where to go to dispose of paint in Reno and Sparks, NV
Option #1 – GrayMar Environmental | 775-357-8554
Location: 13203 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89511
Tips: You can use your vouchers (that you get from Waste Management) to dispose of for free on certain months with an appointment. You can also dispose of most of your electronics, pesticides, cleaners, and other hazardous waste, too, which is great.
Option #2 – Hero Environmental | 775-900-4376
Location: 4900 Mill Street #7, Reno NV
Tips: Make sure to call before you go or visit the website to make sure they are open.
How to dispose of paint yourself
For water-based paints, you can buy paint hardeners from Home Depot or Lowes or here on Amazon. Mix that in with your paint, and once it has hardened, you can throw it away. It’s important to harden the paint first so it can’t leak into soil and end up in streams, rivers, or on local wildlife.
For oil-based paints, you’ll need to take them to one of the hazardous waste locations I listed above.
You can just throw away empty paint cans in the garbage.
Do you know of another way to recycle paint in Reno and Sparks? Please share it by leaving a comment below and help the rest of us live a little healthier and more sustainably!