You should also avoid pouring acrylic paint into the trash or throwing containers of liquid acrylic paint into the trash can. Most waste management companies require you to dispose of the paint first or let it harden before putting the container in the trash.
If you can’t get the solid paint to come out of the container, throw it all away in the trash.
If you have even more paint left in the container, pour it all into a 5 US gal (19 L) bucket and add an equal amount of cat litter. Then, let it harden.
There’s no need to wash out the can, but it needs to be empty and dry.
You should also avoid pouring the rinse water on the ground, into a storm drain, or into a local waterway.
If you prefer, you could use sand instead of kitty litter, but you’ll need to let the rinse water evaporate over several days or weeks.
You can continue to use the cat litter that’s left in the bucket. Pour new cat litter into the bucket if the mixture begins to look watery.
Consider saving some of your acrylic paint for touching up walls.
Check with the store where you purchased the acrylic paint. Some stores will accept the leftover paint and recycle it for you. [12] X Expert Source Jeff BaldwinResidential Painter Expert Interview. 26 February 2021 Depending on where you live, you might have even paid a recycling fee when you bought the paint.
If you seal the container tightly, acrylic paint can last up to 5 years.