Paint

Leftover paint is an overwhelming management concern for local government hazardous waste programs. The California Integrated Waste Management Board has been researching better paint management since 2002, in cooperation with the National Paint Product Stewardship Initiative and with the assistance of the National Paint Coatings Association.

Just how big a problem is leftover paint? These facts "paint" a startling picture:

• In 2000, California collected 17.2 million pounds of leftover paint — California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) Form 303
  

• Paint represents 40-60%, by volume, of all Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collected at HHW facilities — Product Stewardship Initiative (PSI) Final Paint Technical Report, March 2004
  

• The average collection and management costs of leftover paint is $8.00 per gallon — PSI Final Paint Technical Report
  

• Only 50% of California's population has access to a permanent HHW facility where paint is collected — DTSC Form 303
  

• The current national generation of leftover paint is estimated to be between 17-35 million gallons of paint per year — PSI Final Paint Technical Report
  

• Paint contains non-renewable resources, such as titanium dioxide.

News & Events

California Waste Board Hearing on Paint Stewardship Dialogue, December 4, 2007

View the speakers' PowerPoint presentations:

• Memorandum of Understanding to Develop a Nationally Coordinated Leftover Paint Management System —Shirley Willd-Wagner, CIWMB
  

• Leftover Paint Management: Impact on Local Government Programs — Kimbra Andrews, San Joaquin County
  

• Paint Product Stewardship Initiative — Scott Cassel, Product Stewardship Institute
  

• Managing Post-Consumer Paint — Alison Keane, National Paint and Coatings Association

Policy & Legislation

California

• CPSC requests recycled paint exemption to SCAQMD Ruling No. 314 12/2/08

What You Can Do To Help

Things to Consider When Purchasing and Using Paint

• Buy recycled latex paint — California Integrated Waste Management Board

The following are excerpts from Product Stewardship Institute's guide Be Paint Wise, Buy the Right Size :

• Buy the correct amount of paint for the project
  When you purchase the right amount of paint, it eliminates the need to store, recycle or dispose of paint when the project is finished.
  

• Store paint to keep it fresh
  For best results, cover the opening of the paint can with plastic wrap, securely seal the lid, then turn the can upside down and store in a place with moderate room temperature to avoid freezing.
  

• Use up leftover paint
  Properly stored leftover paint can be used for touch-ups or small projects.
  

• Reuse or recycle leftover paint
  If you can't use it yourself, give leftover paint to a friend or neighbor or donate to a worthwhile local organization.
  

• Dispose of the paint properly
  If you have no other options for leftover paint, you'll need to seek a safe disposal option. Latex paint can be dried out for disposal, but alkyd or oil-based paint cannot and must be taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility. Small amounts of latex (less than 1/2 inch) will dry quickly once the lid is removed. For larger amounts, the paint can be mixed in a box with an absorbent material such as kitty litter. When completely dry, it can then be disposed of as garbage. Metal paint cans are acceptable in many recycling programs, but check with your local program first for any restrictions.
  

• Ask your paint store to recycle your leftover paint
  It doesn't hurt to ask! Let them know that you would appreciate a take-back program for leftover paint. Vendors want to keep their customers happy and you can help them realize that taking responsibility for the products they produce and sell is important to you.

Resources

• Minnesota Paint Project — Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Links

• Product Stewardship Initiative's National Paint Project

• Product Stewardship Institute's Paint Dialogue