No water-based or latex paints are accepted at the MRWF
Information released by Chelan County Public Works
It was a great opening weekend at the Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility! One thing we learned is that we need to clarify how to safely dispose of water-based or latex paints.
The MRWF accepts paint thinners, oil-based paint and varnishes. It DOES NOT accept water-based or latex paints. Why? Because water-based paints can be safely disposed of in your residential garbage can if properly dried out.
What to do with unwanted latex paint?
The first question is: How do you know if your paint is latex paint?
Latex paints will be labeled with words and phrases such as water-based, acrylic and cleans with water. Latex paint dries on a wall within an hour.
Oil-based paints will be labeled with words and phrases such as alkyd, cleans with solvent, flammable or combustible. Oil-based paint dries on a wall overnight. It must be taken to a moderate risk waste facility for proper disposal.
Latex paint can be put in the garbage if the proper steps are followed to dry it out. There are three ways to dry out latex paint:
- Remove the paint can lid and let the paint dry out in the can, in a well-ventilated area. Protect it from freezing and rain, as well as curious children and pets. This works best when an inch or less of paint is left in the can and is most effective in the warmer months.
- Mix kitty litter, mulch, soil, sawdust or shredded paper into the latex paint and allow the mixture to dry to the consistency of lumpy oatmeal. Use a 50/50 mixture for the fastest drying time.
- Mix a commercial paint hardener with the latex paint. Paint hardener can be purchased at a local home improvement store.
When disposing of the paint cans, leave the lids off when placing in your residential trash.
If the paint can is three-quarters full, consider donating the paint to Habitat for Humanity or another nonprofit organization. Donated paint must be in good, usable condition and cannot be previously frozen or in a rusty can.
