Waste » Business » Paint » Paint, Latex
You may dry out most latex paint and latex paint stains using one of the Self Treatment options below. Drying time may vary depending on the product, the method used, and the time of year.
• With small amounts of leftover latex paint or stains (1 inch or less in the can), remove the lid and let the contents dry out in the can under cover from rain; or paint the contents on cardboard or newspaper to dry. Once dry, discard cans in the garbage with lid off.
• For larger amounts, mix cat litter into the latex paint or stains and allow mixture to dry. Use a 50/50 mixture for fast drying time. Add more cat litter for latex paint or stains that have more water.
• Mix a commercial paint hardener with latex paint or stains according to the directions.
• The paint or stain is dry enough when it has a tacky, oatmeal-like consistency and will not spill out of the can. You may put the can in the garbage with the lid off. Your garbage hauler will not accept it if the lid is on.
Put wastewater from cleaning latex equipment into the sanitary sewer, but not a storm drain or septic system. During discharge, make sure that settled solids remain in the latex wastewater collection container and any floatable solids are filtered or screened. Contact your local sewer utility for authorization if you want to discharge quantities greater than 100 gallons.
- Buy only as much paint as you need.
- Mix and use the least amount of coating possible. Don't get in the habit of mixing a standard amount of paint for every job (1 quart, 1 pint, etc.). Mix only what you will use.
- Give leftover paint to customers for touch-ups.
- Return unused paint to the manufacturer if it is not past the expiration date. It may be possible to sell it through an industrial materials exchange service, as well.
- If possible, reduce the number of different coatings and colors you use.
- Use water-borne primers and stay informed about new developments in water-based top coats.
- Use optimum gun settings and spray tips for each job.
- Where possible, choose thin coatings using heat rather than solvents.
- Use disposable liners for paint containers and spray gun cups. Disposing of liners creates less waste than disposing of rinsing material.
- Schedule jobs in batches to reduce number of cleanups.
See "Paint Wastes" in Ecology's Dangerous Waste Shop Guide
