Paint Disposal
Latex Paint
Latex paint is the most popular paint on the market. Commonly called “water-based” paint, it includes such resins as acrylics, vinyls, and epoxies, among others. In addition to the resins, latex paint is made up of solvents, pigments, and additives. Latex paint is easily applied and can be cleaned with soap and water. It is preferred by most do-it-yourselfers because it is easier to use and to clean.
Although it is less detrimental to our environment than oil-based paints because it contains fewer hazardous materials, if the liquid paint is poured down a drain, into a storm sewer, or disposed in regular trash pick-up, it can pollute groundwater and can harm fish and wildlife and contaminate the food chain. Pouring excess paint down the drain disrupts microbes and causes sewage treatment to be less effective and more costly. Latex paint can pollute groundwater if dumped on the ground and if thrown into the trash it can contaminate other recyclable materials, thus wasting valuable resources.
Oil-Based Paint
A John Hopkins University study found 300 toxic chemicals and 150 carcinogens that may be present in oil-based paint. The hazardous chemicals can be found in each of the four basic components that make up oil-based paint: resins, solvents, pigments, and additives. While these same components also make up latex paint, the types used in oil-based paint are considerably more hazardous.
Oil-based paint is a hazardous waste. The toxic, dangerous chemicals used in the production of oil-based paint can pose serious threats to human health and the environment. If oil-based paint is thrown into the trash and ends up in a sanitary landfill, there is a potential health hazard of the chemicals seeping into the groundwater and being consumed by people or animals. Additionally, since oil-based paint is flammable, refuse workers may be injured and equipment may be damaged during trash collection.
Disposal
Neither latex nor oil-based paint may be placed in the campus garbage dumpsters. Our waste disposal vendor can refuse to pick up any dumpster that contains paint cans. The Department of University Safety and Assurances (US & A) collects both latex and oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is shipped by US & A as hazardous waste.
Usable, unneeded latex paint is collected and donated to various non-profit agencies and is also available to UWM employees. Please contact Environmental Affairs staff at x4999 or x2883 if you are interested in viewing the supply of unused paint that is available.
Additional Resources:
- Paint Removal: Commercial and Residential
Wisconsin DNR Publication WA-17398
October 2, 2007 by SAK