Lowes has all the colors of paint you can dream of. With a Lowes Money Off Coupon from We Are Coupons paint to color your home costs less. If you have used paint, there are a few different ways to dispose of it safely. You can either take it to a drop-off site or find a hazardous waste disposal service near you. You should also keep in mind that you must contact your local waste authority if you have oil-base paints, since improper disposal can lead to contamination of drinking water sources.
Lead-based paint
When it comes to lead-based paint, disposal requirements vary from state to state. The regulations will depend on the concentration of lead in the paint and the use of the building. For example, ordinary construction debris may include lead-based paint, and it may be disposed of in the general waste stream at a municipal landfill or construction and demolition waste landfill. However, residential buildings such as bunkhouses and cabins are regulated differently and should be removed prior to disposal.
If you don't want to pay the fee for hazardous waste disposal, you can store lead-based paint debris in plastic garbage bags. For larger amounts, place them in sealed containers. Then, contact your local solid waste authority to find out how to properly dispose of these materials.
Water-based paint
If you have used water-based paint for a painting project, it is important to learn how to properly dispose of it. Generally, water-based paints are considered non-hazardous when disposed of properly. You can dispose of it properly by placing it in a covered container in your trash or at your local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.
If you have leftover paint, you should try to find reuse options or visit a paint take-back program to donate it. If you cannot donate it, you can also recycle the empty cans. However, make sure that the paint is dry before recycling. After the paint is dry, pour it into a cardboard box and place it in the garbage or recycling bin.
Oil-based paint
Oil-based paint is a hazardous waste that requires special disposal methods. Oil-based paint should be dried thoroughly before it is disposed of. Using a cat litter or sawdust mixture will help speed up the drying process. Once the paint is dry, leave the lid off and allow it to sit for a couple of days before transferring it to a container for disposal. Oil-based paint cannot be dumped on the ground, so you should take it to a hazardous waste facility. You can find a hazardous waste facility near you by searching online.
Before disposing of paint, make sure that you know the type. The easiest way to tell is to read the label, but if you cannot locate a label, you can also use a paintbrush test. You can test the type of paint by dipping a paintbrush into the paint. Depending on your local laws, you may need to take this step for proper disposal.
Latex paint
Latex paint should be disposed of properly. Most waste collection companies ask that you discard it in the garbage. However, if you do not want to do this, you can mix some cat litter with the paint. This will help the paint dry faster. Then, you can discard the paint can with the normal trash.
You should always keep in mind that oil-based and latex paints have a shelf life of 10 to 15 years. This depends on their conditions of storage. If you store them in a proper place, they have a greater chance of remaining usable even after that long. Besides, a screwdriver or paint can opener can help you open the paint can safely.
