Paint

Paint, even latex paint, can contain a variety of hazardous ingredients including lead, mercury, and organic solvents, all of which can impact the environment when disposed of improperly.

Paint rinse water can also contain sufficient hazardous materials to harm the environment.

Solutions

• Never rinse painting equipment where the rinse water can run into the storm drain.
• If it is usable and less than 10 years old, donate the paint to a friend or a community group, such as a theater or school, that can use it up.
• If the paint is unusable or older than 10 years, save it for a household hazardous waste collection.