The Importance of Proper Disposal of Paint and How to Do It Safely
It is standard practice to paint every building in the U.S., meaning that paint is constantly being produced. Unfortunately, because so much paint has been used, that also means that there is much to be disposed of. Normally this would not matter; however, paint can be an extremely damaging substance when it is carelessly thrown away. So, can you throw away paint? Let’s go over the proper way to dispose of paint so you can protect both yourself and the environment from its harmful effects.
The Problems with Throwing Paint Away
Most paints are toxic and will heavily damage the environment if thrown away through conventional means. Putting paint cans in the trash is not only irresponsible but is illegal in many states. Because the chemicals within paint are so damaging to the environment, you need to have a plan in place to get rid of it in a safe manner.
It is important to note that while latex paints are proven to be safer, you should not be reckless with the way you treat them. Though they are less toxic than oil paint, they are still somewhat dangerous. You should treat latex paint as a hazard and dispose of them through a company as opposed to throwing them in the trash.
Is it safe to pour paint down the drain?
Along with throwing paint cans in the trash, the other way that many choose to dispose of the fluid is by pouring it down the drain. Pouring it down the drain not only damages the environment it hurts your plumbing system as well. Paint clogs and destroys septic systems because it does not break down in the water. This means that once the paint has entered the drain, it is going to be there for a long time. This means that its toxins are going to linger and stay in your home if you are not careful.
What can you do with leftover paint?
If you are still not sure how you can throw away paint, then you have come to the right place! It is as simple as finding a waste removal service near you and transporting your paint to someone who can. This usually requires you to drop it off; however, in some cases, you can hire someone to pick your paint up if you are unable to transport it.
How can Royal Waste help?
At Royal Waste, sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. We utilize only the most advanced waste diversion strategies for your business. Whether you’re a small restaurant, retailer, hotel, or large commercial office building, Royal Waste understands every industry’s unique needs.
Striving to create environmentally responsible recycling solutions for all our clients, Royal Waste removes waste from your location and helps convert it to new products and commodities wherever possible. We offer curbside recycling pickup, organic recycling/composting, container service, bulk waste removal, and more to meet your business’s needs. Give us a call today, and we’ll take it from there!
