The residue left over after stripping shouldn't be thrown into the household trash container. It's considered a household hazardous waste and must be handled accordingly. It's best to check with your local health and safety officials about the approved method of disposal in your area. In many areas, it's recommended that the waste be placed outside to dry on old newspaper, packed and labeled in separate trash bags, then taken to an approved disposal facility. Again, if you're not sure about disposal procedures, contact your local or county hazardous waste department or state department of environmental health.
Some products can actually dry out before they've fully stripped the old finish.
Once you've spread the stripper, it's a good idea to then cover it with plastic . That keeps the stripper moist and allows it to finish the job, which sometimes takes up to 24 hours. In many cases, much of the spent stripper and the old paint will pull off the wood when you pull off the plastic covering. It can get messy if you're not careful. Scrape away any remaining waste with a putty knife, while avoiding gouging or denting the wood.