Leftover paint: what to do with it and why not throw it in the trash

Every renovation or painting of a room usually ends in the same way: a half-empty can, a hardened roller and the question of what to do with the leftover paint. It's a small problem on the surface, but it carries an important environmental decision. Throwing this material in the general trash seems like the simplest route, but that's exactly where the risk lies. Unlike other household waste, paint does not decompose in the same way and can carry components that, if discarded carelessly, compromise the soil, water and even the recycling of other materials that end up contaminated together in the same trash bag. Understanding the correct disposal path, including cans, brushes, rollers and liquid leftovers, is a simple gesture that makes a real difference in the waste reuse chain. For Eduardo Bathke, general director of Tintas Verginia, a company with 35 years of history in the paint sector, the issue goes beyond the empty can. "Improper disposal of leftover paint, packaging and tools can generate important environmental impacts. When these materials are discarded with common trash, they can make it difficult to recycle other waste and, depending on the disposal conditions, contribute to soil and water contamination", says the executive. The real risk of incorrect disposal Many people do not realize that an empty, seemingly harmless paint can still carries residue capable of causing environmental impact. The same goes for brushes, rollers and cloths used in application, which retain part of the product even after drying. Therefore, disposing of paint requires special attention. According to Bathke, "materials that still contain paint residue require adequate disposal to minimize these impacts." This means that the problem is not just the liquid paint left at the bottom of the can, but the entire set of items that came into direct contact with it during work or painting a room. Among the main risks of incorrect disposal are: Contamination of soil and bodies of water, when the material comes into contact with the environment without prior treatment; Loss of efficiency in recycling other waste, as packaging with paint residue mixed with common trash can make it impossible to separate and reuse otherwise clean plastics, paper and metals; Waste of material that could still be reused, either by donation or by reprocessing in specific reverse logistics chains. This is why correct targeting does not only depend on individual goodwill, but also on the existence of structured collection channels. What the legislation already provides for Reverse logistics of post-consumer packaging is a principle provided for in the National Solid Waste Policy, which gives manufacturers, importers, distributors and traders shared responsibility for the life cycle of products, including post-use. Paints and varnishes are among the items closely monitored for this type of requirement, precisely due to the presence of components that require special treatment. In practice, this means that it is also up to companies in the sector to facilitate delivery points, partnerships with cooperatives and environmentally appropriate final disposal, and not just guide the consumer on "what not to do". Colored Collection Program: how it works in practice It was to fulfill this responsibility that Tintas Verginia structured the Colored Collection Program, created in 2019. The logic behind the initiative is simple and, at the same time, efficient from a logistical point of view: taking advantage of the return of trucks that already supply the brand's stores to also transport packaging and leftover post-consumer paint. "The Coleta Colorida Program was born in 2019, from the idea of ??taking advantage of the return of trucks that supply our stores to transport packaging and leftover post-consumer paint, making this logistics more efficient and sustainable", explains Eduardo Bathke. In practice, the operation is straightforward: The consumer takes the empty can, with leftovers or used tools to one of the network's collection points; The material is collected by the company's own logistics, without the need for an extra fleet dedicated just for this purpose; The items are sent for environmentally appropriate disposal through partners specialized in treating this type of waste. More than solving the specific problem of disposal, the program also fulfills an educational role. "More than offering a disposal point, the program aims to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of reverse logistics and the circular economy", reinforces the general director. Verginia stores also serve as support points for questions about disposal and collection. Verginia Collection. The numbers behind the initiative Data like this helps put the conversation into perspective. In 2025, Coleta Colorida correctly allocated 19.98 tons of materials, a volume that represents thousands of cans, brushes and scraps that stopped contaminating soil, water or common landfills to follow an adequate treatment flow. It is a number that only exists because it depends on two aspects working together: the structure offered by the company and the consumer's attitude of not disposing of the material anywhere. According to Bathke, "small attitudes from consumers, combined with the company's commitment, can generate a positive environmental impact", a phrase that sums up well the logic of co-responsibility that supports this type of program. In 2025, the Coleta Colorida Program prevented the inappropriate disposal of almost 20 tons of materials. Sustainability Report 2026 Verginia Paints Is there little paint left at home? See the right path Not all leftover paint needs to become waste. Before thinking about disposal, it's worth evaluating whether that remainder still has use, whether for you or someone else. According to the brand's institutional guidance, the ideal flow follows an order of priority: Store correctly, if the paint is still in good condition. The packaging must be tightly closed, in a dry place, away from excessive heat and direct sunlight, which helps to preserve the quality of the product for future touch-ups; Donate the material when it is no longer expected to be used by those who purchased it. Neighbors, family members, schools, neighborhood associations and social projects tend to accept this type of donation easily; Dispose of at an appropriate collection point, only when the two previous options are not viable. As Eduardo Bathke summarizes, "if the paint is still in good condition, the best way is to store it correctly. When there is no possibility of reuse, disposal must be done appropriately", delivering the material to a collection point such as those of the Coleta Colorida Program. What about the tools used in painting? Brushes, rollers, trays and cloths dirty with paint follow a similar logic to cans. Whenever possible, it is worth cleaning the material thoroughly immediately after use, which facilitates both reuse in the next painting and responsible disposal when the tool is no longer useful. Items that are completely dry and cannot be reused should also be sent to appropriate collection points, and not simply mixed with household waste. Small attitudes, collective impact What is evident in the Coleta Colorida experience is that efficient environmental solutions do not always require large isolated investments. Often, the gain comes from rethinking processes that already exist, such as the route of a delivery truck, and transforming them into part of a reverse logistics chain. This type of initiative also speaks to a broader transparency movement that has been gaining ground in the construction and finishing sector. Increasingly, consumers seek to understand not only the performance of a product, but also what happens to it after use, and how the company behind the brand deals with its socio-environmental responsibility throughout the entire chain. Some signs help the consumer to identify this commitment in practice: Clear information on the packaging on how to correctly dispose of the product; Existence of physical collection points, and not just generic guidelines; Transparency about certifications and results, published in an accessible way on the brand's official channels.