Oil-based paint is considered hazardous waste. It can be brought to The Hazo Hut for proper disposal.
Business customers must call 740-1221 for prices and to schedule an appointment.
It can also be taken to the Central or East Lewis transfer stations during their regular operationg hours.
Paints and solvents (liquid paint, varnish, stains, thinner stripper, etc.) are among the more toxic products we have in our homes. Many paints contain heavy metals such as cadmium. Oil-based paints and paint thinners are made with solvents that evaporate easily, giving off harmful fumes.
Leftover paint should never be thrown in the garbage, poured on the ground, or into storm drains as it can contaminate groundwater and streams.
Ideas for leftover paint:
- Apply a second coat or use for touch-up.
- Stencil or sponge-paint walls or furniture.
- Mix latex paint together to use as a base coat (mix interior with interior; exterior with exterior).
- Give it away. Check with neighbors, friends, theater groups or community organizations to see if they could use it.
- Paint a fence, shed or your doghouse.
- List it on http://www.2good2toss.com/lewis/?content=lewis
Reusable Building Materials Exchanges - such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore might accept used paint.
Paint brought into Household Hazardous Waste depots is often blended, or remanufactured into new product. Consider buying remanufactured or blended paint when it’s available.
Latex paints contain fewer toxic substances than oil-based paints, and do not require solvents for thinning and clean up. However they can still be hazardous. The best choice is organic paints, made entirely from plant materials. However, at present, these are difficult to find.
Buy only what you need. Here's a handy paint calculator for your next project https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/paint-calculator
In some areas Home Depot offers paint recycling. Eligible paints include latex, alkyd, enamel, metal and rust, stain, urethane, polyurethane, varnish and sealers for wood and concrete (but call ahead to find out).
Empty cans are not accepted at the Hazo Hut. They should be wrapped in a garbage bag and disposed of in the garbage. Or better yet, taken to a scrap metal dealer to have the metal recycled.
