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WHY DOES THE ERIE COUNTY LANDFILL
BAN PAINT?
Ohio law bans paint and any other free
liquids from all solid waste landfills in Ohio. Neither you nor your trash
hauler are allowed to bring liquid paint to the landfill for disposal.
CAN I DISPOSE OF PAINT
DOWN THE DRAIN OR STORM SEWER OR ON THE GROUND?
NO! Paint and paint solvent should
NEVER be disposed down the drain, on the ground or into a water source.
Conventional wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are not designed to
handle oil-based paints and solvents or large amounts of latex paint. Storm
sewers may drain to a stream or lake, and paint poured on the ground can run off
or percolate into streams or wells.
Both oil-based and water-based (latex)
paints contain organic chemicals that can damage the environment and human
health if they contaminate water or soil. Paints manufactured before 1979 may
also contain lead and those manufactured before 1991 may contain mercury, both
of which are highly toxic.
HOW DO I DISPOSE OF OLD
PAINT PROPERLY?
USE IT UP...
The easiest way to dispose of leftover paint is to use it all up. Apply a
second coat, touch up areas, paint a closet or a small object.
GIVE IT AWAY…
If you can't use it, find someone who can, a neighbor, theater group, or
community organization. Set it out at a garage sale with a "free" sign. Just
make sure the paint is in its original container with its label intact.
DRY IT OUT…
Liquid paint may be solidified by the following methods, then disposed of with
the household trash. Leave the lid off the can so your trash hauler can see that
the paint is hardened.
| Latex
Paint: |
May be
disposed if it is allowed to dry. Remove the lid and place the can in an
area away from children and animals. Occasionally break the "skin" that
forms on the top as it dries. Or stir in enough plaster of paris, cat
litter or oil absorbent to harden the paint. Latex paint may also be
dried by pouring a little at a time into a cardboard box filled with
layers of newspaper, sawdust or cat litter. When dry, the box and empty
can may be disposed in the trash. |
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| Oil
Based Paints: |
In
small amounts (one inch or less) may be hardened. Mix sawdust or cat
litter into paint and allow to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Once
paint is dried and hardened, wrap paint can in several layers of
newspaper and dispose in the trash. Oil-based paints include enamel,
varnish, shellac, lacquer, stain and sealer. |
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| Aerosol
Paints: |
Outdoors, spray the contents of the can into a cardboard box and let
dry. Be sure to stay away from hot surfaces, open flames, flower and
vegetable gardens. Do not inhale the vapors. Discard the dried painted
box and empty can in the trash. |
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Solvents: |
Such as
paint thinner, turpentine and mineral spirits should never be poured
down a drain or storm sewer. Let these products sit in a closed
container until the paint particles settle out. Then pour off the clear
liquid which can be reused. Add sawdust or cat litter to the residue.
Let it dry completely before disposing in the trash. |
HOW LONG CAN I STORE OLD
PAINT?
LATEX PAINT…
can be stored for up to ten years. It is generally usable if:
| The can is at least
1/3 full. |
It has been stored
indoors. |
| The lid has been
well sealed. |
It has not been
frozen. |
| It is not lumpy or
does not smell bad. |
Mercury is not
listed as an ingredient on the label. |
OIL BASED PAINT…
can be stored for up to fifteen years. It is generally usable if:
| The can is at least
1/3 full. |
It mixes and spreads
smoothly. |
| The lid is well
sealed. |
Lead is not listed
as an ingredient on the label. |
Test the quality of paint by brushing
on newspapers or a cardboard box. If it is lumpy, the paint is not usable.
HOW DO I KEEP OLD STORED
PAINT TO A MINIMUM?
BUY ONLY WHAT YOU
NEED…Measure your room,
including the door and window spaces, or the object you plan to paint. Take the
measurements with you to the store and let the paint sales person help you
estimate the amount of paint you will need. Read the label for coverage
information. Average coverage is 400 to 450 square feet per gallon, although
this will vary depending on the surface to be painted and type of paint.
USE LATEX PAINT…Because
latex paint cleans up with soap and water, you do not need to buy paint thinner
or other solvents.
USE IT ALL UP…Apply
a second coat, paint a closet, touch up or paint a small object.
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