Recycling Latex Paint Tips

There are a few tips that can make the process of recycle paint safer and easier. If disposed of improperly, paint can be a hazard by plugging or damaging septic fields. It can also overwhelm sewage treatment plants and turn dumpsites on the ground into hazardous areas. Fortunately, latex paint is a material that can be disposed of without having to take to a hazardous waste facility. Latex or water based paints can be dried out and made safe for disposal merely by exposing it to the air. It is crucial however when preparing to dispose of paints that it is latex based. Oil based paint does not dry out when exposed to air and can be a real hazard due to the fumes that emanate from the paint, which are not only toxic but flammable. So what do you want to look for when preparing to dispose of paint? It's as easy as looking at the label or lifting the lid.

Latex paints will often have the words "latex," "acrylic," or "water-based" on the label, while oil based paint will have the words "alkyd," or "oil-based" associated with them. Also present on the label, Latex paints will have clean-up instructions telling you to "clean with water." If the label states to "clean with solvents" Or that's that the product is "flammable" or "combustible," then you're dealing with alkyd paint. Sometimes the container itself can tell you what kind of paint you have without even looking at the label. If your paint can is plastic, you most definitely have a latex paint. Oil-based paints always come in metal cans. Dry time is also a discerning factor, as latex paint typically dries in about an hour when applied to a surface. Oil-based paints will often have to dry overnight.

So what do you do if the left over paint you have is indeed oil-based? Well, though you can't dispose of it yourself, you can take it too a household hazardous waste facility. These facilities will dispose of your unwanted paint properly and safely. This may also be an option if you have large quantities of latex paint. Household hazardous waste facilities can be found in every state across the country. Most of these facilities will charge a fee for the disposal of paint.