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Last updated: 1 November 2024
How to dispose of white spirit safely
White spirit is a handy substance but it’s also considered hazardous waste. Here’s how to dispose of white spirit safely.
Need to clean paint brushes and tools? Or remove paint or varnish from a surface? Then you’ll likely need some white spirit to help you get the job done.
This petroleum-based solvent is a handy substance but it’s also considered hazardous waste. Don’t worry! Here, we’ll show you how to dispose of white spirit safely. But first…
What is white spirit?
White spirit goes by many names. You might also have heard it referred to as mineral spirits, Stoddard solvent, petroleum distillate, or even just paint thinner.
But what exactly is it?
Well, it’s a petroleum-based solvent that is commonly used as a cleaning agent and degreaser.
There are different grades available, but the most common household concentrations are typically used for purposes such as:
Cleaning paint-brushes and rollers
Diluting oil-based paints
Removing oil from engine parts
An alternative fuel for portable stoves.
White spirits have many benefits and have now largely replaced other substances such as turpentine due to their inexpensive nature.
However, they can be toxic if handled improperly.
This liquid can lead to dizziness, nausea, skin and eye irritation, contact dermatitis, and even memory impairment.
This is why professional painters are often very careful when employing white spirits, and will seek a well-ventilated area if they need to use a significant amount.
It’s also why disposing of white spirits correctly and safely is vital.
Why is it important to dispose of white spirit correctly?
So, why is it important to dispose of white spirit properly – rather than just tipping it down the kitchen sink?
Well, like other petroleum-based solvents, white spirits contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These can be harmful to both human health and the environment.
As if that wasn’t enough, white spirit is also insoluble in water, which means it tends to linger for long periods.
With that in mind, white spirits that enter into the local water supply can affect drinking water and cause harm to fish and other types of wildlife.
Plus, if you pour white spirits down the drain, your household pipes and septic tanks can become damaged.
With all this in mind, it’s crucial that you don’t simply get rid of white spirit down the drain and that you instead dispose of white spirit properly and safely.
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How to dispose of white spirit safely
Now you know about the importance of disposing of white spirit correctly, let’s break down how exactly you should do it.
Here are your options.
Don’t!
We should first mention that white spirit doesn’t actually have to be disposed of at all!
Even if you’ve already used white spirit to clean tools after painting, you can still reuse it. It may not be perfectly clear, but it can still be effective at removing oil-based paints and varnishes from brushes.
Here’s what a Checkatrade wallpapering specialist told us about how professionals often handle the challenge:
“I never throw away white spirit as liquid myself, we tend to use all the white spirit container up, simply as part of the way we use white spirit.
We do use it to thin down solvent-based paint, and we do use it on a cloth when cleaning up. We aim for most of our trade waste to be either recycled or we do have a trade waste bin which is collected by a commercial waste contractor."
Check your local council’s website
If, for whatever reason, you do want to dispose of white spirit, your first port of call should be your local council’s website.
There, you should find any specific rules on how to dispose of hazardous waste in your area.
Depending on your local council, you’ll often have two options:
Take it to your local recycling centre
Many local recycling centres will accept small amounts of white spirit.
However, every recycling centre is different, so make sure to check before making the trip. You may also need to apply for a special permit.
Hazardous household waste collection
Some local councils can collect chemical waste such as white spirit from your home address.
Depending on your council, they may offer this for free or you may need to pay a fee. Just bear in mind the service will usually need to be booked in advance.
Use a hazardous waste disposal service
Last but not least, you can look for a local company that can collect your white spirit and recycle it.
This can often be more flexible than what’s offered by your local council – and may not be much more expensive, depending on how your local services work.
Enter your postcode into the search box below to find a trusted hazardous waste disposal service near you.
Key takeaways
White spirit is handy but hazardous – so, it’s important that it’s used and disposed of correctly
Consider reusing white spirit instead of disposing of it
Your local council will usually have hazardous waste disposal programs that you can use to get rid of your white spirit
Hiring a local company to recycle your white spirit could be a more flexible and environmentally friendly option
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job