Oil-Based Paint -- A Hazardous Waste? Leftover oil or solvent-based paint is a hazardous waste. Toxic, dangerous chemicals used in the production of oil-based paint can pose serious threats to human health and the natural environment if handled or disposed of improperly. A Johns-Hopkins University study found 300 toxic chemicals and 150 carcinogens that may be present in paint (Dada, Debra Lynn, Nontoxic and Natural, 1984). The hazardous chemicals can be found in each of the four basic components that make up oil-based paint: resins, solvents, pigments, and additives. RESINS (cover the surface): May contain ethylene, which may cause headaches, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Ethylene is also flammable and can be toxic to aquatic wildlife. Urethane alkyds, which cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, may also be present. SOLVENTS (oil, which keeps the resin liquified): Contains aromatic hydrocarbons such as mineral spirits and toluene. Mineral spirits can be a skin, eye, nose, throat and lung irritant, as well as flammable. Very high air concentrations may cause unconsciousness and death. Toluene may irritate the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Acute exposure results in central nervous system depression. PIGMENTS (provides color): May contain heavy metals such as cadmium and chromium. Cadmium irritates the respiratory tract while chromium is an eye and skin irritant. Pigments may also be made with zinc oxide which can cause flu-like symptoms. ADDITIVES (such as thickeners and fungicides): May contain heavy metal fungicides containing mercury compounds, which can irritate the skin and mucous membranes If oil-based paint is thrown into the trash and ends up in a municipal solid waste landfill, there is the potential health hazard of the chemicals seeping into the groundwater and possibly being consumed by animals or people. In addition, since oil-based paint is flammable, refuse workers may be injured and equipment may be damaged during trash collection.

How Do I Dispose of Oil-Based Paint? Since it is illegal to dispose of oil-based paint in the trash, consider these alternatives: Buy latex or water-based paint instead because they are made up of less hazardous ingredients. Buy only the quantity you need. Measure the space you wish to paint and ask for help from the retailer to purchase the right amount Reuse/recycle leftover paint by giving it to someone who can use it, such as a neighbor or friend, theater group, school, city or other community organization. If there is only dried residue and no liquid left in the paint can, it is safe to throw the can into the trash. However, the California Integrated Waste Management Board does NOT recommend popping the lid off the can to let the oil-based paint evaporate into the air due to volatile organic compounds (VOC) present in the paint which may pollute the air. If you have spray paint in an aerosol container, make sure no paint remains in the can (no paint is released when you press the nozzle) before discarding it in the municipal trash. Full or partlyfull spray paint cans with broken nozzles must be taken to a household hazardous waste collection program. Take leftover oil-based paint to a household hazardous waste collection facility or event DISPOSAL Call your local Enviornmental Health Department or the Solid Waste Recycling Hotline at 1-800-5449-4840 to find the location of a Small Quantity Generator Program or HHW collection program in your area. 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.