Why is Latex Paint Managed as Hazardous Waste?

Most latex paint is completely safe to store at home for the long term, doesn’t contain any particularly dangerous ingredients, and is safe to handle with no protective equipment; so why is latex paint managed as hazardous waste? In this blog, we’ll cover the primary reasons for hazardous waste disposal, situations where this paint cannot be reused, and your latex paint disposal options, so you’ve everything you need to manage it effectively.

Latex Paint Isn’t Easy to Dispose Of

Latex paint, like all paints, has two parts. A liquid that allows the paint to be paintable and an adhesive that binds the pigment and other additives to the liquid, drying to create a coat of paint. Latex uses water and typically an adhesive resin. This adhesive is what makes latex paint difficult to dispose of at home: it cannot be poured down pipes as the paint will clog the system, and it cannot be placed in the trash in its wet form.

Sometimes Latex Paint Isn’t Reusable

While reusing, donating, and giving away your leftover latex paint are the easiest and best options, there are circumstances where you may have non-useable paint.

• Latex Paint After Freezing: Latex paint is water-based, which can cause the water suspended in the paint to freeze, causing clumping. This is especially true for paint frozen multiple times.
• Old Latex Paint with Heavy Metals: Older latex paint may contain lead or other heavy metals as part of the pigment and can also contain antifungal chemical additives that can make it hazardous.
• Dried-Out Latex Paint: If left out without a secure lid or stored for long periods, the moisture in the paint will gradually evaporate. When resealing for long-term storage, place plastic wrap between the lid and the can first.

How to Get Rid of Latex Paint

Your options when it comes to latex paint disposal are limited. Reusing the paint, giving it away to neighbors, or looking for donation options are the best options. Your municipality may have a surplus paint program: find your MA city here. Latex paint can be dried out and disposed of in the trash, but this works best with a small amount. For larger amounts, especially as part of a house cleanout, you’ll need to look into hazardous household product disposal centers.

• Learn more about your options with our Latex Paint Fact Sheet.

If your county doesn’t have any options for latex paint disposal for your household, it’s time to contact us at NEDT. We have multiple Collection Centers in Massachusetts and also offer a home pick-up service to MA residents. We accept not only latex and oil-based paints for disposal, but also a wide variety of household hazardous products, ranging from old TVs to cleaning products. Learn more about what we accept and plan your trip today!