Each year, approximately 64 million gallons of paint are left over when jobs are done. These are some facts of paint recycling that everyone should to know:
· Paint is made by mixing dry coloring matter (pigment) with water, oil, or some other base to dissolve it. The dissolving substance is called a solvent.
· Paint is the most prevalent household hazardous waste (HHW).
· Paint is recyclable.
· The two major types of paints are oil-based and water-based paints.
· Oil-based paints such as enamels, varnishes, shellacs, lacquers, stains, and sealers.
· Water-based paints, such as latex and water colors, use water as the solvent.
· Water-based paints as latex paint are recyclable but oil-based paint is considered as household hazardous waste (HHW).
· A paint thinner is used to remove oil-based paint. It is not recyclable but can be reused through a household hazardous waste (HHW) trade.
· Common ingredients of paint thinners are turpentine, acetone and toluene.
· In most places, putting paint in the trash is against the law.
· Lead and mercury may be found in older paints.