Art and sustainability go hand-in-hand when you know how to create with care. Proper disposal of art supplies is crucial for protecting the environment while keeping your creative sessions safe and sustainable. Here are answers to some common questions about responsibly disposing of and reducing waste from your art projects!

1. How do you dispose of acrylic paint?

Acrylic paint should never be poured down the drain, as it can harm water systems. Instead:

Dry it out: Let any leftover paint dry completely in the container or on a palette (it’ll peel off in one even layer on silicone containers!). Once dried, peel off or leave the paint as if for a colourful layer – many artists have a growing palette with layers of fun colours!

Clean brushes mindfully: Wipe off excess paint with a rag or paper towel before washing in a brush washer or container, rather than the sink.  Dispose of paper towels once the paint has dried in a regular waste bin and leave your brush water out in the sun to evaporate, then throw away the paint chips.

Evaporate rinse water: Use the same evaporation trick for your brush washer water on your rinse water! Simply let the water sit in a container until it evaporates, then dispose of the paint residue in the trash.

These simple steps help minimise waste and protect local ecosystems! We’ve got more info on disposing acrylic paint in our handy tips blog here.

2. How to dispose of glitter?

Glitter is typically made from microplastics, which can harm wildlife if it ends up in waterways. To dispose of it sustainably, start by collecting any loose glitter and place it in a sealable bag. Go the extra step and shake off your dried, sparkly design to remove and collect and excess glitter. Once you’ve gathered all the bits of glitter (a great task for any eagle-eyed creators!) throw the sealed bag into the regular trash to prevent any further spread. Simple!

3. How to fix hard air dry clay? Or do I throw it out…?

Thankfully, you can bring hardened air-dry clay back to life, providing it’s not completely bone-dry.  We even have a video above where we walk you through the steps!

1.    Chop your dried clay up into small chunks and place them in a sealable plastic bag

2.    Add a small amount of water into the bag and seal it up. Leave it to sit in a cool, dry place for a couple of days.

3.    When you come back, the clay should be soft! Recombine the pieces and knead until smooth.

For fully hardened clay, repurpose it in mixed media art by carving, or use it as a base for new projects. You can even sand or paint it to fit your design!

If you do need to dispose of the clay, do so once dry in a standard bin.

4. Can you recycle pencils?

While it seems like a great solution to recycle pencils – because they’re wood, right? – it’s best to dispose of them with general waste. Typically, pencils are made from a mixture of materials, not just wood and graphite. Wood is often treated before being made into pencils, which is another thing to consider when disposing. Play it safe and stick to standard bins if you need to dispose of pencils.

5. How to create less waste while making stuff?

Reducing waste starts with mindful planning. Here’s some tips:

1.    Use only what you need: Plan your materials carefully to avoid unnecessary waste. Only squeeze out the amount of paint you need for a project – you can always squeeze out more if needed but getting it back in the tube isn’t easy!

2.    Repurpose scraps: Save leftover paper, paint, and fabric scraps for future projects. Small bits often come in handy for collages, test swatches, and mixed media projects.

3.   Embrace ‘zero-waste’ art challenges: Set yourself the task of creating a piece entirely from existing supplies or recycled materials. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also pushes your creativity!

6. How to dispose of oil paint?

Oil paint and solvents are hazardous materials and require careful disposal. The paints themselves are simple – clean up excess paint with paper towels or newspaper, allow to dry, then dispose with regular waste. Simple!

As for solvents, these are slightly more tricky. The good news is, they can largely be reused – just let your used solvent stand for a day or so and watch the paint particles sink to the bottom. It’s like magic! Carefully decant the clean solvent back into your solvent container and then transfer the paint sediment into a glass or metal container. Take this container to your local hazardous waste centre after you’ve filled it, and they can take care of the rest.

Just remember, never pour oil paint or thinners down the drain, as they can harm the environment and your plumbing. You can find more oil paint disposal tips in our handy blog here.

By taking on these sustainable practices and disposing of your materials thoughtfully, you can enjoy your art while making a positive impact on the environment 🎨🌱

Don’t forget to use #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook to show us any recent creations you’ve made.

For art ideas, explore our Projects and How-tos. If you’re looking for more answers to commonly asked questions, jump into our FAQs collection.   

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