Paints and Coatings
Liquid paint can cause big
messes when mixed with garbage. Have you ever seen a big
splotch or a trail of paint down the street in your
neighborhood? That is what often happens when paint is
picked up with garbage and compacted in the garbage truck.
Aside from the mess, many paints contain toxic materials that
are released into the environment when paint isn't properly
handled.
Although there are
thousands of different paint and paint related products on the
market, they consist of two general types: oil-based and water-based
(latex).
Oil-based products are
often flammable, release greater amounts of harmful vapors into the
air, and may contain toxic chemicals or metals. Water-based
products are generally safer to use and less harmful to the
environment.
Dry Paint -
Any paint product that is already dry can be safely disposed in the
garbage. This includes empty containers. Please
leave the lid off when disposing.
Latex Paint
Smaller amounts of latex paint
can be easily dried out and thrown away with your household garbage.
Remove the lid and add sand, cat litter, or sawdust to absorb the
liquid and let it dry. Leave the lid off of the container when
disposing.
Full or partially
full cans of latex paint can be brought to a SWA household
hazardous waste
collection site.
Good,
usable latex paint is sent to a paint manufacturer and recycled.
The SWA recycled over 5,000 gallons of paint last year.
Non-profit organizations may be eligible to receive free recycled
paint through the SWA's
Community Service Program.
Spray
Cans
Aerosol cans are
pressurized. In addition to containing a flammable propellant
they often contain toxic materials. Empty, depressurized
aerosol cans may be placed in your household garbage. If the
nozzle functions properly, spray it until empty and place in the
garbage. If the can still has product in it that cannot be
sprayed out, bring it to a household hazardous waste
collection site.
Oil-based Paint and Thinners
Many of these types of products are
flammable and need to be disposed of properly as hazardous waste.
All oil-based paints, stains and thinners should be brought to a
household hazardous waste
collection site.
Households may use the dedicated drop-off areas at Solid Waste
Authority transfer stations. These drop-off areas provide
convenient locations for individuals to discard unwanted paints.
Commercial Paint Disposal
The SWA accepts paint and paint products
from commercial generators through the Conditionally Exempt Small
Quantity Generator program. Commercial entities should contact
Hazardous Waste Services at (561) 687-1100 to receive more
information and registration paperwork. For more information
on the CESQG program, click on the Small Business link on this page.
If you have any questions about
paint disposal at the SWA, please call Hazardous Waste Services
at (561) 687-1100 or
email us.
