Trash Wizard Junk Removal gets rid of tons of trash, rubbish and construction debris weekly and we always come across the same questions from our customers, “Do you take paint?” and “How do you get rid of it?”. The answer to the first question is “Yes, we do,” and here’s how we do it:
First let’s take a second to identify what is considered ‘hazardous’ and some tips on handling them:
- Oil based paints and stains. These items contain VOC’s or ‘volatile organic compounds’ that vaporize at room temperature. These vapors can be harmful, if not toxic, when inhaled. Be sure to open oil based paints and stains in a well ventilated area.
- Oil based paints and stains are flammable, so keep them away from extreme heat, sparks and flames.
- Oil based paints and stains also contain lead, chromium, mercury or cadmium, which are toxic to humans, animals and the environment.
To handle extra paints and stains take the following steps to ensure proper containment and disposal:
- Look for municipal paint collection programs within your city.
- Try to donate any excess quantities. Community programs, art centers and theater groups are always in need of paints and stains for their projects. Try www.freecycle.com or www.Craigslist.org to put your old paint to good e.
- Latex paints can be disposed of as regular trash if it is dry. Try filling used paint cans with kitty litter to absorb the leftover paint. Then let it sit with the top off to dry. Once that’s done you can throw it in a trash bag and leave it curbside for pick-up.
- You can also do the same thing with hardened oil based paints and stains.
Paints that contain lead, mercury, chromium or cadmium:
- Do NOT use them and do NOT give away. Toxic metals will remain in any items that are treated with the paints or stains.
- Take to municipal paint collection program, if accepted, or save for a hazardous household waste collection day or take to a commercial hazardous waste facility.
Empty paint cans:
- Empty paint cans may be accepted in community scrap metal programs. The Steel Recycling Institute at 508-266-1847 will provide suggestions for communities looking to recycle paint cans.
- If recycling is not available, empty paint cans can be disposed of in the trash. Leave lids off so the hauler can see that the can is empty.
For more information on this subject visit: Mass.Gov
And as always Trash Wizard Junk Removal encourages everyone to ‘Reuse, Reduce and Recycle’!