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<br />Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ~ <br />~ <br /> <br /> <br />LATEX AND OIL-BASED PAINT <br /> <br />a household hazardous waste fact sheet <br /> <br />PAINT: A HOUSEHOLD <br />HAZARDOUSW ASTE <br /> <br />Paint contains solvents and metals <br />that are poisonous to humans and the <br />environment. When paint is disposed <br />of improperly-in the trash, down a <br />drain or on the ground-these <br />chenúcals can contanúnate <br />Minnesota's environment. For this <br />,reason, many trash collectors won't <br />pick up cans of paint. <br /> <br />This fact sheet provides instructions <br />for paint disposal. The Minnesota <br />Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) <br />also has fact sheets on how to dispose <br />of other common types of household <br />hazardous waste: <br /> <br />· Adhesives <br />· Aerosol Containers <br />· Antifreeze <br />· Cleaners, Medications <br />and Cosmetics <br />· Gasoline <br />· Motor Vehicle Batteries <br />· Pesticides <br />· Solvents <br />· Used Motor Oil <br />· Wood Preservatives <br /> <br />Call 633-EASY for more <br />information on household <br />hazardous wastes. <br /> <br />Distributed by <br />Ramsey County Public Health <br />1910 County Road B, Suite 206 <br />Roseville, MN 55113. <br />612-292-7900 <br /> <br />LEFTOVER PAINT: USE IT UP! <br /> <br />Paint stays in good condition for a long time; oil-based paint for up <br />to 15 yeaTs and latex paint for 10 years. As a general rule, paint that <br />mixes smoothly when stirred can still be used. If latex paint has <br />been frozen, brush it on a newspaper. If there are no lumps, it <br />hasn't been damaged and can be used. <br /> <br />The best thing to do with usable paint is to use it up! If you can't <br />use your leftover paint, give it to someone who can. Give your <br />paint to: <br /> <br />friends and neighbors <br />community service organizations <br />recreation departments <br /> <br />theater groups <br />parks <br />consignment shops <br /> <br />Although it may not be listed on paint labels, some latex paint <br />contains mercury, a toxic metal. New regulations prohibit use of <br />mercury in interior latex paint manufactured after August 20, 1990. <br />In addition, exterior latex paint must be labeled if it contains this <br />metal. However, because you can't be sure whether latex paint <br />purchased in 1990 and before contains mercury, be sure to use this <br />latex paint only on outside projects. <br /> <br />DISPOSAL: WHEN YOU CAN'T USE IT UP <br /> <br />Proper disposal depends on the type of paint you have - latex or <br />oil-based. Oil-based paint contains solvents, container labels state <br />"combustible," and the instructions on the can recommend cleanup <br />with mineral spirits or other solvents. Latex paint contains water, <br />and the instructions recommend cleanup with water. <br /> <br />Disposal: Oil-based paint <br />The fumes from oil-based paint are a health and fire hazard. <br />Large amounts of oil-based paint (more than one cup or one inch <br />in the bottom of a can) should not be disposed of at home; the <br />paint should be taken to a household hazardous waste collection <br />for proper disposal. Until a collection is available in your county, <br />store the paint with the lids tightly sealed, in an area away from <br />children and pets. For infonnation on household hazardous waste <br />. collections, call your county solid waste department or the MPCA. <br /> <br />Printed on recycled paper <br />