Tips & Tricks
Paint Disposal
Got old paint cans cluttering your garage? Whether you’re finishing a home project or just decluttering, knowing how to safely dispose of old paint is important for the environment and your local community. In Saint Petersburg and the Greater Pinellas County, you can’t just toss paint in the trash—it requires proper disposal to prevent harmful chemicals from seeping into the ground or water supply. Here’s how to do it the right way:
1. Check If Your Paint is Still Usable
Before you get rid of it, see if the paint is still in good condition. If it hasn’t dried out or gone bad, consider donating it to a local charity, school, or community center. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore may accept usable paint for projects.
2. Dry Out Latex Paint for Regular Trash Pickup
If you have latex (water-based) paint, you can dispose of it in your regular trash, but only once it’s completely dry. Here’s how:
• Small amounts: Leave the lid off and let it air dry.
• Larger amounts: Mix in kitty litter, sawdust, or a commercial paint hardener to speed up drying.
• Once it’s solid, put the dried-out can in the trash with the lid off.
3. Take Oil-Based Paints to a Hazardous Waste Collection Site
Unlike latex paint, oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes are considered hazardous and need special disposal. In Pinellas County, you can take them to a Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3) for safe disposal. Check the Pinellas County Solid Waste website for drop-off locations and collection events.
4. Recycle Empty Paint Cans
Once completely dry, empty metal paint cans can often be recycled with other metals. Check with your local recycling provider to see if they accept them.
Properly disposing of old paint keeps our St. Petersburg and Pinellas County clean and safe!
At Home Oil Change
Changing your own oil? That’s great for saving money and keeping your car in top shape—but knowing how to properly dispose of used motor oil is just as important. Dumping oil down the drain, on the ground, or in the trash is illegal and can seriously harm the environment. Instead, follow these simple steps to safely and responsibly dispose of old car oil in St. Petersburg or Clearwater.
1. Store Used Oil Properly
After draining your car’s oil, pour it into a clean, leak-proof container with a tight-fitting lid. An old motor oil jug, milk jug, or any plastic container with a screw-top lid works well. Avoid using containers that previously held chemicals like bleach or antifreeze.
2. Recycle It at a Local Collection Site
Used motor oil can be recycled and re-refined, making it one of the most recyclable materials out there. In Pinellas County, you can take it to:
• Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Centers (HEC3)
• Local auto parts stores like AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, or Advance Auto Parts (many accept used oil for free)
• County-run hazardous waste collection events (check the Pinellas County Solid Waste website for dates and locations)
3. Don’t Forget the Oil Filter
Oil filters also contain leftover oil and metal that can be recycled. After draining the filter for at least 24 hours, place it in a plastic bag and take it to the same collection site as your oil. Some auto parts stores will also accept used filters.
4. Never Dump Oil or Throw It in the Trash
Even small amounts of oil can contaminate water and soil, harming wildlife and polluting the environment. One gallon of motor oil can pollute up to one million gallons of water, so proper disposal is crucial.
Let's work together to take care of our community with proper oil disposal!
Furniture Recycling
Got old furniture you need to get rid of? Instead of sending it to the landfill, consider recycling, donating, or repurposing it. Many furniture items can be reused, broken down for materials, or given a second life with a little creativity. If you’re in St. Petersburg or Tampa Bay Area, here’s how to responsibly dispose of unwanted furniture while keeping waste out of the landfill.
1. Donate Usable Furniture
If your furniture is still in good condition, donating it is the best option. Many local charities accept gently used furniture to help families in need. Some organizations even offer free pickup. Consider donating to:
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Goodwill or The Salvation Army
• Local shelters and community organizations
2. Recycle or Repurpose It
If your furniture is too damaged to donate, check if it can be recycled or repurposed. Many materials, like metal, wood, and certain plastics, can be broken down and reused. You can:
• Drop off metal furniture at a scrap yard or metal recycling facility.
• Break down wooden pieces for firewood, DIY projects, or mulch.
• Check with Pinellas County Solid Waste to see if they accept specific furniture items for recycling.
3. Schedule a Bulk Pickup
St. Petersburg and Pinellas County offer bulk waste pickup services for large furniture items. Contact your local waste management provider to see if they accept your item and schedule a pickup. Some services may have a small fee.
4. Hire a Junk Removal Service for Easy Hauling
If you need furniture removed quickly or don’t want to deal with the hassle, a junk removal service can take care of it for you. We handle all the heavy lifting, donation drop-offs, and eco-friendly disposal, ensuring your furniture is removed responsibly.
Recycling and donating furniture helps reduce landfill waste while benefiting the community. If you need assistance with furniture removal in Saint Petersburg, contact us today for fast, eco-friendly service!
Propane Tanks
Whether it’s from a grill, heater, or camping gear, propane tanks cannot be thrown in the trash due to safety hazards. Instead, they need to be properly recycled or disposed of at the right locations. If you’re in St. Pete, here’s how to safely handle unwanted propane tanks.
1. Refill or Exchange Your Tank
If your propane tank is still in good shape, consider refilling or exchanging it instead of tossing it. Many gas stations, hardware stores, and retailers offer propane exchange programs, where you trade in your empty tank for a full one. Places like:
• Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart
• Local gas stations and propane dealers
• U-Haul or Blue Rhino exchange locations
2. Recycle It at a Designated Drop-Off Location
For damaged, expired, or unwanted propane tanks, take them to a Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3) in Pinellas County. Many waste disposal sites accept propane tanks for proper recycling. Check with:
• Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal
• Local hazardous waste collection events
• Scrap metal recycling centers that accept propane tanks
3. Never Throw Propane Tanks in the Trash
Even empty propane tanks can contain residual gas, making them dangerous to crush or incinerate. Never put them in your regular trash or curbside recycling bin.
Properly disposing of propane tanks helps keep our community safe and environmentally friendly.
Household Chemicals
Household cleaning products help keep your home fresh, but when they expire or go unused, proper disposal is essential to prevent harm to the environment. Many cleaning chemicals contain hazardous ingredients that shouldn’t go down the drain or into the trash. Here’s how to safely get rid of old or unwanted cleaning supplies.
1. Use Them Up or Give Them Away
If your cleaning products are still usable, the best option is to use them as intended or donate them to someone who can. Friends, family, or local community groups may appreciate extra supplies.
2. Check the Label for Disposal Instructions
Many household cleaners include safe disposal instructions right on the packaging. Products labeled “non-toxic” or “biodegradable” can often be diluted with water and poured down the drain, but always check first.
3. Take Hazardous Chemicals to a Collection Center
For products that contain bleach, ammonia, or other hazardous ingredients, take them to a Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3) in Pinellas County. These facilities safely handle items like:
• Drain cleaners and oven cleaners
• Bleach and ammonia-based products
• Furniture polish and disinfectants
4. Never Mix Chemicals or Pour Them Down the Drain
Mixing cleaners like bleach and ammonia can create toxic fumes. Also, pouring chemicals down the drain can harm water treatment systems and local wildlife. Always dispose of them properly.
5. Recycle or Dispose of Empty Containers Properly
If a cleaning product container is completely empty, rinse it out and place it in your regular recycling bin (if accepted by your local program). For aerosol cans, ensure they are fully discharged before recycling.
Properly disposing of household cleaning products in prevents environmental harm—use them up, follow label instructions, take hazardous chemicals to a disposal center, and recycle empty containers responsibly!
