BOROUGH OF MACUNGIE

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

PROPER HANDLING OF PAINTS

Improper disposal of painting wastes is harmful to the environment, hazardous to public health and violates state law. Waste materials from painting include excess paint, used thinner, cleanup water and wastes from prep work such as chips and scraping. Even water-soluble latex paints contain chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life and drinking water supplies.

Paint, solvents, thinners and waster from prep work may contaminate soil and groundwater, if disposed of on the ground or in a septic tank.

The following paint disposal and cleanup guidelines can help you protect the environment and keep you in compliance with the law.

Latex Paint wastewater from cleanup on brushes, rollers and tools used may be discharged to the sanitary sewer. Never pour excess paint into the storm drain or sanitary sewer. Excess paint in buckets must be removed and properly handled as leftover paint prior to washing paint buckets.

Oil-based paints and thinners should be disposed at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 7676 Industrial Blvd, Allentown (Fogelsville). Phone (610) 782-3073. More information.

	Avoid using oil-base paints. If practical, use latex products instead.
	Avoid using solvents for cleanup. Use disposable brushes, rollers, trays and containers, if practical. Let them dry and then throw them in the trash.
	If practical, reuse thinner. Let particles settle out and pour off clear thinner for reuse. Dispose of the unusable portion as hazardous waste.

Helpful hints when handling paints and solvents:

	Avoid buying too much paint to begin with. Careful planning can save you money and minimize the need to deal with leftover materials.
	Before cleaning brushes, brush out as much paint as possible.
	Drain and recycle excess paint from spray equipment prior to cleaning with water or solvent.
	Carefully store leftover paint for future use or give it away to someone who can use it.
	Discard dry paint cans and disposable brushes in the trash.
	Recycle empty spray cans using either the city or county curbside recycling program.