1667.6 QUID C.3 nois Bureau of Land Pollution Environmental 2200 Churchill Road Protection Agency P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276 February 1992 Guide to . . . . ILLimiS.STATE LIBRAI Household Paint Disposal ^ ^ An introduction on how to deai with your oid or unwanted paint RECOMMENDED Ml Nearly every home has many products in it that may be considered hazardous. When those items are discarded or improperly used they can have devastating effects on sewage systems, septic tanks, and groundwater supplies. One of the most common hazardous prod¬ ucts found in homes is old or unusable paint In Illinois, literally thousands of gal¬ lons of old paints are discarded into trash cans or down drains each year. There are, however, much better methods of dealing with your old paint USE IT UP The easiest way to dispose of paints is to use them up completely. When finishing a painting project and a small amount of paint remains in the can continue to use it until it Is all gone. If needed apply a sec¬ ond coat or touch-up areas which need im¬ provement. Work closely with your paint dealer to estimate the exact quantity of paint needed for your job. Many local theater groups, churches, and housing authorities will accept leftover paint and put it to good use. Also, contact friends, neighbors, and relatives who may have a need for the paint. Make sure that paint that you donate or give away is in its original container with a legible label. HODS FOR HOUSEHOLD PAINT DISPOSAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS Latex Paint WASTE COLLECTIONS Small amounts of latex paint can left to solidify by removing the lid and al¬ lowing the paint to dry If you are unable to use up or give away out. Larger arfiounts can your old paint, the next best solution is be mixed with an absorb¬ take it to one of the Illinois Environmental ent (kitty litter or oil dry) Protection Agency’s household hazardous and left to solidify. Either waste collections. The collections are of these methods should scheduled throughout the state. Contact be done in a well venti¬ the lEPA to find out when and where the lated area and away from collection nearest to you will be. children and pets. Be certain to allow the paint If a collection has not been scheduled in to dry completely. Once your area contact your local governmental the paint has hardened/dried out it can be dis¬ unit and encour¬ posed of with your general refuse. Empty paint age them to ap¬ cans can be recycled or disposed of with your ply for a house¬ general refuse. hold hazardous waste collection Solvent Based Paint in your commu¬ If at all possible solvent or oil based paints should nity. The collec¬ be kept for a hazardous waste disposal day. tions are free of charge and not only pro¬ They are ignitable and present particular hazards. vide an excellent method to rid your home If you absolutely must dispose of solvent based of old paint but also of many other haz¬ paints before you can get it to a collection day, ardous household products. special care must be taken to harden/dry out the paint. Small amounts of solvent LAST RESORT DISPOSAL OPTIONS based paint can be painted onto old lumber or cardboard If you are unable to drop off your old paint and allowed to dry. Once it at a local household hazardous waste col¬ has dried it can be disposed lection, there are a few steps you can of with your general refuse take to make the paint safer to dispose of or additional coats can be with your general refuse. painted on. Some older paints contain pigment com¬ Larger amounts may be mixed with large amounts ponents such as lead, cadmium or mer¬ of absorbent (kitty litter or oil dry) and left to cury which may be identified on the label. harden. This must be done away from ignition Those products should always be taken to sources and in a thoroughly ventilated area. Only a household hazardous waste collection. after the paint has completely hardened should you dispose of it with your general refuse. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA Other Paint Products 3 0112 122551507 Paint thinners, turpentine, mineral spirits, and other solvents must not be poured down drains or storm sewers. With a few simple steps, GENERAL TIPS ON these products can be HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS made reusable. Let used turpentine or • Buy only the quantities you need. brush cleaners sit in a closed container until • Always store products according to the paint particles label directions. Keep unused product^in settle out. The clear their original containers. liquid can be poured into a new, labeled • Always avoid skin contact and breath¬ container for reuse. The remaining residues can ing fumes. be mixed with an absorbent (kitty litter or oil dry) ' and left to dry out. • NEVER mix different products. Explo¬ sive or violent chemical reactions may For more information contact: occur. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Division of Land Pollution Control • If at all possible find a friend, neigh¬ Solid Waste Management bor, or local organization who can use up 2200 Churchill Road the excess products for their intended P. 0. Box 19276 uses. Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 217/785-8604 • Never dispose of hazardous house¬ hold products except In an approved man¬ ner. When disposed of improperly many hazardous products can contaminate groundwater supplies or disrupt sewage treatment systems and pass through into rivers, lakes, or streams. Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois Job No. 21864 4/92 10,000 Printed on Recycled Paper