From our partners at EarthTalk...
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 10 percent of
the house paint purchased in the United States each year—about 65 to 69 million
gallons—is discarded. Leftover and unusable paint wastes causes pollution when
disposed of improperly, the EPA warns. Before you can decide how to dispose of
old paint, you'll need to determine what kind of paint it is. There are two
types of paint: oil-based and latex; and regulations on disposal of each type
of paint vary by location.
“Retailer
support of the PaintCare program is not only good business practice, but also
an extension of good customer service,” says Scott Cassel, Chief Executive
Officer of the Product Stewardship Institute, Inc., a nonprofit that in
partnership with the paint industry, led the national dialogue that laid the
foundation for the PaintCare program. “By providing paint drop-off locations,
retailers not only encourage more foot traffic, but they also offer an
important kind of community service that addresses both environmental
protection and convenience.”
PaintCare manages the leftover paint it receives according to a policy of “highest, best use.” Their goal is to recycle as much as possible. Most of the oil-based paint is taken to a cement plant where it is blended into a fuel and burned to recover the energy value. Latex paint that is not rusty, molding or spoiled is sent to recycling companies and reprocessed into new paint. Some paint that the non-profit receives is nearly new and in excellent condition, and is given away at swap shops or to charitable organizations. Paintcare plans to expand its locations into Colorado in July of 2015, Maine in August of 2015 and the District of Columbia in January of 2016.
Dear
EarthTalk: What is the best way to recycle my old and/or unwanted paint, primer
and stains? --Kim Beeler, Lake Oswego, OR
Has
one of the many popular shows on HGTV inspired you to renovate your own home?
If so, you’re not alone! Home renovations have been on the rise the last few
years in the U.S. and Canada, which can mean lots of leftover paint. Extra
paint can last for years when properly sealed and stored away from extreme heat
and cold, and if unneeded, can be donated to organizations like Habitat for
Humanity and Keep America Beautiful. But if paint can no longer be used, what
are some safe, environmentally-responsible ways to dispose of it?
 |
| Paint wastes causes pollution when disposed of improperly. |
In
some areas, latex paint can be thrown out with the trash as long as it is
completely dried. Keep in mind that some household waste haulers may not pick
up latex paint even if it is completely dried, so always check with your local
waste disposal service provider on rules and regulations applicable to your
area.
Oil-based
paints, as well as paint thinners and other paint solvents, are considered
hazardous household waste (HHW) and are typically disposed of at HHW
facilities. While many communities across the country will hold annual or
semi-annual HHW collection days to make paint disposal easy for local
residents, the new non-profit PaintCare is allowing residents of California,
Connecticut, Rhode Island, Oregon, Minnesota and Vermont to have convenient
disposal of house paint, primers, stains, sealers and clear coatings
year-round. There is no charge for dropping off paint at a PaintCare drop-off
site, and Paintcare’s site locator (available on their website and app) allows
residents of applicable states to quickly find their closest drop-off location.
PaintCare locations can be found at select Sherwin-Williams, True Value, Ace
Hardware and other retailers.
 |
| EPA Waste for proper disposal. Photo: Wikipedia |
PaintCare manages the leftover paint it receives according to a policy of “highest, best use.” Their goal is to recycle as much as possible. Most of the oil-based paint is taken to a cement plant where it is blended into a fuel and burned to recover the energy value. Latex paint that is not rusty, molding or spoiled is sent to recycling companies and reprocessed into new paint. Some paint that the non-profit receives is nearly new and in excellent condition, and is given away at swap shops or to charitable organizations. Paintcare plans to expand its locations into Colorado in July of 2015, Maine in August of 2015 and the District of Columbia in January of 2016.
CONTACTS: EPA Paints & Coatings Program, www.epa.gov/sectors/sectorinfo/sectorprofiles/paint.html; Paintcare, www.paintcare.org.
EarthTalk®
is
produced by Doug Moss & Roddy Scheer and is a registered trademark of Earth
Action Network Inc. View past columns at: www.earthtalk.org.
Or e-mail us your question: earthtalk@emagazine.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment