About 80 percent of paint sold today is water-based; the rest is oil-based. Oil-based paint is considered more hazardous than water-based paint because the solvents used to make it are toxic and flammable. You can recycle both types. Here’s how to identify which paint you have:

Oil-based paint often has the word “alkyd” as part of the product name, and the label will indicate “caution” and “flammable” or “combustible.” Ingredients include petroleum distillates or mineral spirits. Cleanup method indicates the use of paint thinner, mineral spirits, or turpentine.

Water-based paint often has the word “latex” as part of the product name. Ingredients include water and ethylene or propylene glycol. Water is indicated for cleanup.

More information If you're planning an interior project, read Basic to off-the-wall to learn about the latest interior finishes, including coverage of specialty finishes. And before you start an exterior project this fall, check out Paints & stains.