Properly disposing of household paint is important. Some paints contain harmful solvents that should not be sent to landfills where they might leach into the water supply. Paint comes in two varieties: water-based and solvent-based. Lead paint is no longer manufactured in the United States, however, very old cans should be treated similarly to solvent-based paints. Depending on the type of paint you have to dispose of, there may be several responsible ways to get rid of the paint and cans. Does this Spark an idea?
Water-Based Paints
Water-based paints are the easier type of paint to dispose of. They are commonly used in interior areas of a home because they dry quickly due to their high water content and have a less strong odor than solvent-based paints. Water-based paints include latex, which is a type of plastic, and acrylic.
These paints can be disposed of by allowing the residual paint, if any, to harden in the container. According to a National Paint and Coatings Association pamphlet, if there is more than half an inch of paint in the canister, it may require an additive such as sawdust, cat litter or shredded paper to give it something to which it can bind. Leave it in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets while it is drying. If the can is recyclable, scrape out the dried paint, dispose of it with the regular household trash and add the empty can to your recyclables. If the can is not recyclable, leave the dried paint inside with the lid off and place it in the trash.
Solvent-Based Paints
Solvent-based paints include those that use oil and alkyds as main ingredients. They are slow-drying and long-lasting. Their luster makes them appealing for exterior projects or in rooms where humidity and moisture is high. Solvent-based paints cannot be dried out and thrown away like water-based paints as they may contaminate local groundwater if buried in a landfill.
These paints must be disposed of through hazardous waste programs operated by local municipalities. Unless a city arranges for special pick-ups of these types of materials, they will need to be taken to a local or regional solid waste center. This chore is made more efficient by taking numerous cans at once or if several households send their paint in one load.
The Container
Paint cans are made from either steel or plastic. If the paint has been removed from the can, local solid waste programs may accept them for recycling. If the cans still contain some dried-out water-based paint, they may be accepted for recycling or alternately considered as regular landfill trash, depending on local policy.
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