Used to throw out old paint cans the wrong way for years

For about a decade I would just toss half-full latex paint cans in the regular trash. Then my town adopted a new hazmat drop off system in 2021 and I learned I was basically breaking the law. Now I dry out the paint with kitty litter or just let them sit open in the garage for a week. The drop off center only takes them on Saturdays from 8 to noon which is annoying but beats getting fined. Anybody else have a rude awakening about paint disposal rules in their area?

2 comments

2 Comments

barbara96722d ago

Hold on, why are people acting like this is a huge deal? I've been throwing out latex paint cans in the regular trash for 30 years and nothing's ever happened. The garbage men just take them. Unless you're dumping gallons of industrial stuff, the tiny amount in a half-empty can isn't going to poison the entire landfill. Kitty litter, special drop offs, waiting around on a Saturday morning. That's a lot of time and effort for something that's basically just dried up water and pigment.

luna55022d ago

Is this really something the EPA is gonna come knocking about?