Home-maintenance expert Darcy Westlind joins host
TIPical Mary Ellen Mary Ellen Pinkham to share ideas on disposing of paint and other hazardous materials.
- Latex paint can be disposed of in the household trash, provided it has been dried out. Wet paint cannot be disposed of because the contents may spill and leech into the ground, contaminating the ground water and soil with hazardous chemicals.
- To get rid of a relatively small amount of latex paint, spread the paint in thin layers on scrap lumber or cardboard. When the paint is dry, toss it in the trash.
- Oil-based paints and thinners should be taken to a household hazardous waste-collection site.
- Get rid of aerosol paint by going outside and emptying the spray can into a paper bag. Be sure to wear a mask for protection from the fumes. When the paint is dry, toss the can and bag in the household garbage.
- When disposing of household waste, remember that the rules regarding what is acceptable for disposal varies between states and communities. When in doubt, call the local town hall or fire department to find out if the neighborhood trash collector will accept certain hazardous items.
- Place dangerous items such as broken glass, razor blades or sewing needles in an old coffee can, cover with the lid, then toss in the trash.
- Items such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, paints, antifreeze, cleaners, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, photographic chemicals and fluorescent bulbs should be taken to a collection center that is designed for the safe disposal of such items.
- Do not toss spent batteries in the trash. Small batteries for watches, cameras and other electronic equipment may contain lithium, mercury or silver. These elements are hazardous to the environment. Save old batteries in a coffee can and put a label on the outside of the can. Take the batteries to a watch or camera repair shop and ask that they be recycled.
- Waste collectors will not accept radioactive materials, biologically active materials, ammunition, explosive materials, pressurized gas cylinders, smoke detectors, used motor oil or asbestos. Check with local authorities to find out how to dispose of such items.
- Some communities have certain schedules for the collection of hazardous household waste. Check with the local fire department or municipal government to find out when waste is collected.
- Used motor oil can usually be recycled for free at a local service station or auto parts dealer. Some establishments may require a small fee. Oil can also be taken to the local hazardous waste-disposal site.
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