Paint

Types of paint
Paint is a common product that can become a household hazardous waste if not used up. Here, we refer to paint as a wide range of coating materials that can be divided into two typesoil-based and water-based. Oil-based paints include enamels, varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, stains and sealers. Water-based paints are latex paints. Read the cleanup instructions on the label to determine if what you have is oil-based or latex. If water can be used for cleanup, you have a latex paint. If solvents like paint thinner or mineral spirits must be used for cleanup, your paint is oil-based.

Why is paint hazardous?

Paint contains chemicals, such as solvents and metals, that can harm the environment and endanger human health if disposed of improperly. Paint should never be poured down the drain; many of the chemicals in it cant be treated by sewage treatment or septic systems. If this occurs, the untreated chemicals could be discharged into lakes, streams or groundwater and cause contamination. Liquid paint should never be thrown in the trash. Eventually, household trash is compacted, which will release paint from the can. In a landfill, the paint will be carried by water seeping through the garbage and could easily contaminate groundwater. As a general rule, liquids are not allowed in landfills. For this reason, full or partially full cans of paint should not be placed in the trash and will not be accepted by most trash collectors. And, of course, paint should never be dumped on the ground.

What should I do with old paint?

The safest and easiest way to dispose of paint is to use it up for its intended purpose. If you cant use it up, give it to someone who can. Oil-based paint can be usable for up to 15 years. Latex paint is still usable if its less than 10 years old and hasnt been exposed to freezing and thawing. If you dont know someone who can use it, bring it to the Drop N Swap at the Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (see other side), where it can be picked up and used by someone else. You can also evaporate it, as explained next. over

Department of Solid Waste

Evaporating paint for safe disposal

If you prefer, you can evaporate leftover or unusable paint by following the instructions below. Only then can you place the old paint in the trash. 1. Find an area thats protected from open flame, children, pets and rain, but that has adequate ventilation. A locked, screened porch is ideal, although a well-ventilated garage or shed may be suitable. When evaporating oil-based paint or varnish, proper ventilation is especially important to prevent solvent fume buildup, which is a fire and health hazard. 2. Remove the lid and allow the liquids (either water or solvents) to evaporate. You may need to periodically break the skin that forms on the top of the liquid. This works well for small quantities, such as an inch or two in the bottom of a can. Larger quantities of paint take longer to dry out and may require other methods (see below). 3. When thoroughly dry, the remaining hardened material can be discarded with your regular trash. Leave the lid off the can so your trash hauler can see that the paint is hardened. Depending on the type and amount of paint you have, the drying process can take from several days to several months. The process can be shortened by using one or more of the following methods. Remember to always work in a safe, well-ventilated area. 1. Paint excess amounts of paint on cardboard or newspaper to use it up. 2. Pour thin layers (about 1 inch) of paint into a cardboard box lined with plastic. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time until all of the paint is hardened. 3. For paint that has separated and cant be mixed, pour off the clear liquid on top, leaving the semisolid paint sludge in the can to dry. The clear liquid can be poured into a cardboard box lined with plastic, mixed with an equal amount of absorbent material, such as kitty litter, and allowed to dry. Then it can be discarded. 4. Some types of oil paints and stains may be difficult to dry out in the can. These can also be mixed with kitty litter in a cardboard box lined with plastic and then allowed to dry before disposal.

Another disposal option

If still usable, or if you dont want to evaporate it at home, paint and other related productsincluding thinners, mineral spirits, turpentine, wood preservatives and roofing tarscan be taken to either of the Larimer County household hazardous waste collection sites for safe disposal or recycling: ! ! The Estes Park Solid Waste Transfer Station, (970) 586-6478 The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Larimer County Landfill, (970) 498-5760

For more information on the disposal of household hazardous wastes, contact the Larimer County Department of Solid Waste at (970) 498-5760.

Department of Solid Waste