H. Latex Paint Disposal/Oil Paint Disposal

PAINT/PAINT CANS

OIL BASED PAINT must be brought to the Hazardous Waste Facility. If the can is completely empty and cleaned it should be put out with your tin cans on recycling day. Lids must be removed.

DRIED LATEX BASED PAINT should be disposed of with your regular household refuse.  Use commercial "paint hardner" available in most home improvement stores, or other absorbants such as cat litter, sawdust or dirt.

 

LATEX PAINT IS NOT A HAZARDOUS WASTE!

1. Latex paint is not a hazardous waste. Lead and Mercury have long since been phased out of latex paint.
2. Latex paint can be distinguished from oil-based paints. It may be labeled as “water based” or “acrylic”. Use and cleaning instructions will state “dries in an hour” and/or “easy water clean-up”.
3. However, liquid latex paint should not be poured down the drain or on the ground, It can still impact sewage systems, septic tanks and local surface or groundwater.


PLAN AHEAD – BUY LESS * USE IT UP * STORE IT RIGHT!

1. Estimate how much you will need before buying – average coverage rates are 300 to 450 square feet per gallon of paint. Add an additional coat while the paint is fresh. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
2. Paint something else. See if your neighbor or a local organization could use some extra paint (habitat for humanity, schools or theater groups might be worth a try).
3. For long-term storage, cover the opening with plastic wrap, and make sure the lid fits securely. Store upside down to maintain the best seal.


AS A LAST RESORT

1. Dry out your latex paint. Once dried, latex paint can be disposed of as regular trash.

a. Commercial paint hardeners are available from big box stores and other hardware and paint stores. These additives are effective for water based paints only.  
b. Landfills are not permitted to accept liquid wastes, and to avoid spills from garbage cans or refuse vehicles onto streets, sidewalks and landscapes, it needs to be dried.
c. If the can is empty, or the paint is dried, the container should be placed with other household trash – but the lid should be removed, so the solid waste collector can see there is no liquid paint.

2. Latex paint is currently accepted at the Monmouth County Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility during the following hours. No appointments required.

Note: The HHW Facility is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 

OIL PAINT is a flammable material.
It must be disposed of at a Reclamation Center.