|
How to
Deal With
Unused or Unwanted
Paint and Solvents
 |
 |
| |
|
| Each year, thousands of
gallons of leftover or unwanted paint, solvents and thinners
are flushed down sinks and drains or dumped into trash cans.
These actions can overwhelm sewage systems, destroy septic
tanks, and damage landfills’ protective barriers. The
resulting contamination fouls surface and underground
waters. The same water we all depend on for consumption and
recreation. You can help ease these threats to human health
and the environment by following a few simple steps: |
| Use Paint
Completely Or Give It Away
Have your paint dealer help
you estimate correct amounts for your project. Afterward, if
some paint remains, apply additional coats to use it
completely.
If you have useful quantities
of leftover paint, ask friends, neighbors or relatives if
they can use it. Otherwise, donate leftover paint to
churches, animal shelters, housing authorities, theater
groups or others who can use it. Recipients will appreciate
your generosity even more when you give them paint in
original containers having legible labels. |
 |
Other Disposal Options
Paints containing lead, cadmium or
mercury are highly toxic and must be taken to a household
hazardous-waste collection. Most other paints can be rendered safe for
collection with your general refuse.
| Latex Paints
Solidification is essential.
Place open cans containing small amounts of latex paint in a
well-ventilated area away from children and pets. Allow
paint to dry thoroughly. Otherwise, mix paints with
absorbents until solidified. Use kitty litter or commercial
products intended for cleaning up oil spills. Place open
cans of solidified paints with your weekly trash pickup, and
recycle empty paint cans, if possible. |
 |
|
 |
Oil-Based Paints
Handle paints containing
petroleum distillates with great care. They are ignitable
and their fumes are potentially harmful. Always follow label
directions.
You can solidify oil-based paints by allowing their volatile
components to evaporate in a well-ventilated area. Mix
remaining liquids with absorbents and allow to harden.
Alternatively, apply leftover
paint to scrap lumber or cardboard. Keep children and pets
away while these paints are drying. Then place these scraps
with your regular trash. |
| Solvents
Never pour paint thinners,
turpentine, mineral spirits or other solvents down any drain
or sewer, never dump them on land or in any waterway. Donate
unused products to others. You can "recycle" used solvents
by allowing paint pigments to settle to the bottom, and
later pouring the clarified liquid into a new or recycled
(and accurately labeled) container. Mix the remaining
solvent/paint sludge with an absorbent and dispose with your
general refuse. |
 |
|
