Disposal of Paint – The Last Resort
(Local and/or State ordinances and regulations may supersede the best management practices described here. Check with your local environmental coordinator.)
In many states, it is illegal to dispose of paint in the trash or down storm or sewer drains, because paint can contaminate drinking water and ocean waster. Special collection programs have been established to accept paint for recycling or proper disposal.
When disposing of paint:
- Read the label and follow for the manufacturer’s instructions for proper disposal.
- Check with your local recycling or household hazardous waster coordinator regarding acceptable practices in your community for the disposal of dried latex paint.
- Empty containers may be thrown in the trash. A container is considered “empty” if no paint can be removed with a brush or by holding it upside down.
NOTE: Latex paint manufactured before August 1990 may also contain mercury. Some older paints may contain high levels of lead, as well. Although the Consumer Products Safety Commission banned the use of lead in consumer paints in 1978, older homes, especially those built prior to 1978, may have lead-based paint on interior surfaces. According to EPA, lead-based paint dust and chips are dangerous if swallowed or inhaled, especially to small children and pregnant women. For more information about lead-based paints or a list of businesses that can test homes to determine if a home has surfaces painted with lead-based paint, contact the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at (800) 424-LEAD.
As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments. The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.
jcbrainstorm
posted on July 22nd, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I am seeking information on what do disposal centers do with paint turned in.
Mark Rappaport
posted on July 23rd, 2007 at 9:56 am
Good question jc. Many places put the paint that is in good condition out for their customers to re-use.
Otherwise, oil based paint (cleans up with paint thinner) is bulked into 55 gallon drums and burned for fuel. Some places find ways to reuse it. One place painted all their dumpster with it. It was quite a colorful place.
Good (has not frozen) Latex paint is bulked into 55 gallon drums and 1) reprocessed into recycled paint or 2) mixed with a thickening agent and recycled or disposed in a landfill.
Of course the perfect scenario would be to use up all the paint or give it to someone that can use it.
eucarya
posted on August 1st, 2007 at 10:44 am
The city of Mesa, AZ has a paint reuse program where they mix donated paint into 3 shades (light, medium, dark) and then donate it back out to the community for free.
sweet
posted on November 27th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
How can we dispose plastic paint drums!