Elena Rossi
Paint disposal is a messy and expensive affair, and with millions of gallons of leftover paint generated each year, it is a pressing issue. In Washington state, there are several options for paint disposal, depending on the type of paint. PaintCare, a non-profit, operates a statewide paint recycling program with drop-off sites throughout the state, including retail stores, household hazardous waste facilities, and solid waste facilities. However, PaintCare does not accept all types of paint, and liquid latex paint, for example, can damage septic fields and sewage treatment plants. So, what are the options for throwing paint in the garbage in Washington state?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint disposal options in Washington State | PaintCare drop-off sites, household hazardous waste disposal locations, solid waste facilities, retail stores, reuse outlets |
| PaintCare sites accept | Up to 5 gallons per visit, some take more |
| PaintCare sites do not accept | Aerosol coatings, leaking, unlabeled, or empty containers |
| PaintCare fee | Applied to the purchase price of each container of new paint sold in the state |
| Paint types that can be put in the garbage | Latex paint, water-based stains, clear finishes (once solidified) |
| Paint types that cannot be put in the garbage | Liquid latex paint, oil-based paints, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvent-based paint and coating wastes, toxic paints |
| Paint disposal for businesses | Business Hazardous Waste |
| Paint disposal for residential customers | King County Hazardous Waste Disposal Locations |
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What You'll Learn
Paint disposal regulations in Washington State
Paint disposal is a messy and expensive affair, and it is important to dispose of paint correctly to avoid damaging septic fields and sewage treatment plants. In Washington State, there are several regulations and recommendations in place to ensure the proper disposal of paint.
The Washington State Department of Ecology oversees the statewide paint recycling program, PaintCare, which is operated by a manufacturers' stewardship organisation. PaintCare has set up a network of drop-off sites, including retail stores, household hazardous waste facilities, other solid waste facilities, and some reuse outlets, to provide convenient access to all Washington residents. These sites accept up to 5 gallons of paint per visit, and there is no charge for dropping off paint. However, they do not accept aerosol coatings, leaking, unlabeled, or empty containers. Before visiting a PaintCare drop-off site, it is recommended to call ahead to confirm their business hours and ensure they can accept your paint type and amount. All paint containers need to have lids and original labels.
For those unable to access a PaintCare drop-off site, there are alternative methods for disposing of paint. Latex paint, water-based stains, and clear finishes can be disposed of in the garbage once they have hardened or solidified. To solidify latex paint, one method is to remove the lid and let the paint dry in the can, protecting it from freezing temperatures, rain, and curious children and animals. This method works best with an inch or less of paint in the can and during warmer months. Another method is to mix latex paint with an equal amount of clay-based cat litter or commercial paint hardener, allowing the paint to dry and achieve a tacky, oatmeal-like consistency. Once the paint is dry, the can may be placed in the garbage with the lid off.
Businesses that use paints and coatings are required to dispose of dangerous wastes correctly and can refer to the paint stewardship program to determine if they qualify to recycle certain paints. Some waste solvents and paint thinners can be recycled, while others are considered dangerous waste due to their ignitability or the presence of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. If you suspect your paint contains lead, chromium, or cadmium, you should request a Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test and follow dangerous waste rules if the filters are deemed dangerous.
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Paint recycling in King County, Washington
PaintCare is a nonprofit that operates in Washington and other states, offering drop-off sites throughout King County and Washington for paint recycling. All PaintCare sites accept up to 5 gallons per visit (some take more). There is no charge to recycle paint at PaintCare locations. However, sites do not accept aerosol coatings, leaking, unlabeled, or empty containers.
Residential customers can dispose of oil-based paints, paint strippers, and paint thinners at King County Hazardous Waste Disposal Locations. Businesses can visit the Business Hazardous Waste website or call 206-263-8899 for more information.
If you are unable to go to a PaintCare drop-off site, latex paint, water-based stains, and clear finishes can be disposed of in the garbage. However, liquid latex paint can damage or clog septic fields and sewage treatment plants, so it is important to ensure that the paint has hardened before disposal. To solidify latex paint and water-based stains, remove the lid and let the paint solidify in the can. Protect the can from freezing temperatures, rain, and curious children and animals. This method works best with an inch or less of paint in the can and during the warmer months. Alternatively, you can mix latex paint with an equal amount of clay-based cat litter or other absorbent materials such as sawdust, dirt, or shredded paper.
If you are disposing of empty paint cans with dried paint, you can leave them open to dry and place them on top of your trash can for your weekly pickup.
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How to solidify latex paint for disposal
Latex paint should be solidified before disposal to prevent environmental hazards and damage to septic fields and sewage treatment plants. Here are some methods to solidify latex paint for disposal:
Using Cat Litter
Mix latex paint with an equal amount of clay-based cat litter. Stir the cat litter completely into the paint and let the mixture dry. This method is effective and affordable, costing around $3 for a 25-lb bag, which can solidify about 30 gallons of latex paint.
Using a Drying Agent
Purchase a packet of drying agent or paint hardener from a local paint supply store or hardware store. Mix the drying agent into the paint according to the instructions on the packet. The paint will attain a tacky, oatmeal-like consistency that can be safely disposed of.
Air Drying
Remove the lid from the paint can and let the paint solidify naturally in the can. Protect the paint from freezing temperatures, rain, children, and animals. This method works best with an inch or less of paint in the can and during warmer months.
Other Methods
If you have a large quantity of paint, consider donating it to an arts centre or improvement project. Make sure the paint is not contaminated and has not gone through a freeze-thaw cycle. Additionally, some hardware stores may accept paint cans for recycling, so it is worth calling around to inquire.
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Hazardous waste disposal locations in Washington
If you are a resident of Washington, a business, or a government agency, you can recycle most paint at PaintCare drop-off locations. All PaintCare sites accept up to 5 gallons per visit, and there is no charge for dropping off paint at these sites. However, these sites do not accept aerosol coatings, leaking, unlabeled, or empty containers.
If you are unable to go to a PaintCare drop-off site, latex paint, water-based stains, and clear finishes can be disposed of in the garbage. However, liquid latex paint cannot be put in the garbage as it can damage or clog septic fields and sewage treatment plants. To dispose of liquid latex paint, you must first solidify it. You can do this by removing the lid and letting the paint solidify in the can. Protect it from freezing temperatures, rain, children, and animals. This method only works with an inch or less of paint in the can and is most effective in warmer months. Alternatively, you can mix latex paint with an equal amount of clay-based cat litter and let it dry. You can also mix it with commercial paint hardener.
- Snohomish County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
- Valley Recycling/Transfer Station (Spokane Valley)
- Sunshine Disposal & Recycling (Spokane Valley)
- North County Recycling/Transfer Station (Colbert)
- Waste-to-Energy Facility (Spokane)
- Stevens County Landfill (Kettle Falls)
- Thurston County HazoHouse at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center
- Cowlitz County provides a once-a-year collection event for Wahkiakum households
- Sudbury Landfill Household Hazardous Waste Facility
- Disposal of Toxics Facility
- Carothers Road Solid Waste Site
- Terrace Heights Landfill
- Kittitas County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
- BZ Corners Transfer Station (White Salmon)
- Dallesport Transfer Station
- Goldendale Transfer Station
- Roosevelt Regional Landfill
- Lewis County HazoHut at the Central Transfer Station
- Lincoln County Transfer Station, 3.5 miles west of Davenport on State Route 2
- Mason County Solid Waste Facility - Eells Hill, Transfer Station (Shelton)
- Grays Harbor County HHW Collection Facility (Montesano)
- Coupeville Solid Waste Complex, Camano Drop Box & Recycle Park, Bayview Drop Box & Recycle Park, North Whidbey Drop Box & Recycle Park
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PaintCare drop-off sites in Washington
PaintCare is a nonprofit that operates in Washington and other states. PaintCare drop-off sites in Washington accept paint for recycling and disposal. To find the nearest PaintCare drop-off site in Washington, enter your zip code, city and state, or street address on the PaintCare website. All PaintCare sites accept up to 5 gallons per visit, but some take more. There is no charge for dropping off paint at a PaintCare site. However, PaintCare sites do not accept aerosol coatings, leaking, unlabeled, or empty containers.
If you are unable to go to a PaintCare drop-off site, latex paint, water-based stains, and clear finishes can be disposed of in the garbage. To dispose of these types of paint in the garbage, they must first be dried out or solidified. One method to solidify latex paint and water-based stains is to remove the lid and let the paint solidify in the can. Protect the can from freezing temperatures, rain, children, and animals. This method only works with an inch or less of paint in the can and is most effective in the warmer months. Another method is to mix latex paint with an equal amount of clay-based cat litter. Stir in the cat litter completely and let the paint dry. Once the latex paint has hardened or solidified, place the can in your garbage container with the lid off.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of paint. Latex paint and water-based stains can be disposed of in the garbage, but only once they have dried out or solidified.
You can dry out or solidify latex paint by mixing it with an equal amount of clay-based cat litter, or by pouring it into a plastic or cardboard container and mixing it with commercial paint hardener.
Oil-based paints, paint strippers, paint thinners, and other hazardous waste cannot be thrown in the garbage. These must be disposed of at hazardous waste disposal locations.
You can recycle your paint at PaintCare drop-off locations throughout King County and Washington.
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