How to Separate the Metal Rim From Plastic Paint Cans for Recycling
- 1). Open the paint can and allow the remaining paint within the can to dry out completely. This will prevent you from getting paint on your clothes in the remaining steps.
- 2). Turn the can over on its side, and then step down forcefully on the cylinder of the paint can. This will cause the metal rim to separate from the plastic cylinder.
- 3). Grip the rim of the paint can with the pliers where it separates from the cylinder and pull it off. This will peel the plastic lip off of the rest of the cylinder and separate it from the paint can.