After spending a weekend painting, staining, or cleaning, you are left wondering, “Now what?” as you gaze at a partially used container of mineral spirits, or worse, a murky jar full of leftover brush cleaner.
Stop right there if you are tempted to throw it in the trash or down the drain. I have traveled that path, erred, and paid the price both literally and figuratively. I’m here to show you how to properly dispose of mineral spirits so you can avoid any unexpected fines from the city and safeguard your home, health, and the environment.
Human to human, let’s get started.
Let Me Tell You How NOT to Do It
I poured what was left of my mineral spirits, perhaps a third of a quart, into the dirt behind my garage years ago after refinishing some old kitchen cabinets. I assumed it would simply soak in or evaporate. There was already some patchy grass there, and my only real thought was to “get rid of this stuff.”
One week later? The guilt hit me more strongly than the fumes; the grass was dead, and the soil smelled.
Later, I Googled “can you dump mineral spirits outside?” and discovered the very real consequences. It turned out that my backyard had become a miniature toxic site. Digging up a piece of contaminated soil, packing it up, and driving like a confessing criminal to the nearby hazardous waste site was necessary.
What’s the story’s lesson? Water is not mineral spirits. They must be disposed of properly because they are flammable and dangerous.
What Exactly Are Mineral Spirits Anyway?
If you’re using them, you’re probably aware of how well they clean greasy tools and thin oil-based paints. However, beneath that transparent, nearly innocuous liquid is a rather harsh mixture of chemicals.
Mineral spirits belong to the same chemical family as gasoline and kerosene because they are petroleum distillates. They emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are bad for the environment and your lungs. As a result, they are typically categorized as hazardous household waste, which means you can’t simply throw them away or flush them down the toilet.
So, What Should You Do With Them?
The good news is that it’s very easy to dispose of mineral spirits safely once you know how. This is my tried-and-true method that won’t put you on a government watchlist or kill your grass.
Step 1: Let It Settle
After cleaning brushes with mineral spirits, allow the liquid to settle in a metal can or jar that can be sealed for a few days. Paint sludge, gunk, and other solids will sink to the bottom.
Step 2: Save the Clean Stuff
The clear portion should be carefully poured into a sanitized container with the appropriate label. You can reuse this! In my shed, I have a glass jar marked “Filtered Mineral Spirits – For Reuse.”
Step 3: Contain the Waste
The sludge that’s left over? That’s the bad part. Label it Used Mineral Spirits – Hazardous Waste and place it in a metal can (such as an old paint can) and seal it tightly. Until you are ready to drop it off, keep it somewhere cool and dry.
Step 4: Drop-Off Time
There is a hazardous waste collection facility or drop-off day in every city. You can find dates and locations by simply searching for “[your city] + hazardous waste disposal.” Even pickup services are available in some places. It’s much less expensive than a fine or an environmental cleanup, and it’s easier than you might imagine.
Wait, Can I Just Let It Evaporate?
Only for very small amounts (a tablespoon or two), and only if local regulations permit. Here’s how:
- Place it outdoors in a safe, ventilated area.
- Keep it away from pets, kids, or anything flammable.
- Let it sit until completely evaporated, then toss the dried solids (not the tray!) into a labeled waste container for proper disposal.
I still recommend calling your local waste office before trying this. What’s okay in Texas might be illegal in Oregon.
What About the Rags and Brushes?
Rags that are soaked pose a serious risk of fire. If you throw them in the trash or leave them in a pile, they can spontaneously catch fire (I’m not kidding, Google it).
Here’s what I do:
- Once dry, place them in a metal container filled with water and a lid (like an old paint can).
- Label it and dispose of it at a hazardous waste facility.
Brushes? Clean them with mineral spirits, then follow with soap and warm water. Let them dry fully before storing.
Store It Like It’s TNT
Whether you are storing clean, reusable spirits or waiting to dispose of used ones, use the right containers:
- HDPE plastic (look for the triangle “2”) works too, but not forever.
- Never reuse old food containers or milk jugs. Just don’t.
Indicate the contents and the date on each container’s label. Additionally, store away from heat or flame at all times.
Think You Can Burn It? Don’t.
Burning mineral spirits is extremely dangerous and prohibited in most places. The vapors are unpredictable, flammable, and toxic. Additionally, you don’t want your neighbors to call the fire department because your do-it-yourself bonfire turned into a poisonous conflagration.
Can You Reuse Mineral Spirits?
Yes, and it’s a fantastic method to reduce waste. I usually use the clear liquid two or three times. The cleaning power then wanes, and I dispose of the used part by following the previously mentioned disposal procedures.
However, don’t keep using it indefinitely; it’s time to let the spirits go when they start to look hazy, smell bad, or stop functioning.
Looking for Greener Alternatives?
Good on you. If you want to avoid mineral spirits entirely, consider these safer options:
- Citrus-based solvents (like d-limonene): biodegradable and effective.
- Soy-based cleaners: slower but much safer.
- Water-based degreasers: for light-duty cleaning, these do the job just fine.
Good substitutes include Eco-Solve, Real Milk Paint, and Earth Paint. Although they are more expensive up front, they spare you headaches with disposal, worry, and time.
Develop the habit (and share with a friend)
This is about each of us doing our share, not just about your backyard or workshop. Distribute this information. Assist a neighbor. Share a post about it in your neighborhood do-it-yourself group. Everyone benefits from having one fewer can of mineral spirits in the trash.
Better still? Find out when the next hazardous waste collection event is by giving your city a call. Do a thorough sweep, invite a neighbor, and load up your used chemicals to make it a day.
Final Thoughts
At first, properly disposing of mineral spirits may seem like a hassle, but after you’ve done it, it comes naturally. And truthfully? Knowing that you’re caring for your house and the environment makes you feel good.
I was the one who destroyed a patch of grass. As a responsible adult, I have also been the person who recycled, reused, and properly disposed of my waste. The second guy sleeps better, I promise.
You now understand what to do and what not to do. You are knowledgeable. Go be the one who knows how to handle their chemicals.
And if you’ve come this far? You’re ahead of the game already.
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