What is Latex Paint? Latex paint is a suspension of finely divided synthetic resins in water. Commonly called "water-based" paint, it includes such resins as acrylics, vinyls, and epoxies, among others. Latex paint contains four baslc components: Resins, which form a film or coating on the surface; Solvents, which keep the resins liquified until the paint is applied; Pigments, which provide the color; and Additives, which are used as driers, thickeners or anti-foam agents. Latex paint is easy to apply and can be cleaned with soap and water. Latex paint is also less detrimental to the environment than oil-based paint, which contains more hazardous ingredients. How Big is the Problem? Presently, about one billion gallons of paint and coating products are used each year in the United States. Almost one-half of this total is used in architectural coatings. These coatings are formulated for use on new and existing residential, commercial, institutional and industrial structures. Of the 185 million gallons of these coatings used nationwide by do-it-yourselfers, 73 percent are water-based paint. The use of latex paint is even higher in California--between 80-85 percent. What Can I Do? The following are some hints for buying, using and disposing of latex paint: REDUCE Calculate the amount of paint needed for a project and buy only that amount. The store retailer can help with this service.

REUSE The easiest way to dispose of leftover paint is to use it up. If you cannot reuse the paint, give it away to others who can such as friends, relatives, churches, theatrical groups, high schools, recreation departments or community service organizations. Give away only good quality paint in its original container. Latex paint is less detrimental to the environment than oil-based paint, which contains more hazardous ingredients RECYCLE If you are unable to give usable paint away, call your local health department and find out when your household hazardous waste collection program will be collecting paint for recycling. DISPOSAL Call your local Public Works Department at 1-800-449-4840 or the California Integrated Waste Management Board's Recycling Hotline at 1-800-553-2962 to find the location of a household hazardous waste collection program in your area. The California Integrated Waste Management Board recommends that older latex paint, paint containing lead, improperly labeled paint, paint that is not in its orginal container, possibly contaminated paint, and any other paint you cannot otherwise dispose of be stored safely and taken to a household hazardous waste collection event or permanent collection site. For More Information Call your local Public Works Department at 1-800-449-4840 or the California Integrated Waste Management Board's Recycling Hotline at 1-800-553-2962 to find the location of a household hazardous waste collection program in your area.