Contact: Rick Dimont: 301-840-2774
For Immediate Release: August 21, 2001

County Offers Tips
On Disposing of Latex Paint

During the home-improvement season, Montgomery County residents who are using latex paint are reminded not to dispose of leftover paint with other household hazardous waste. Disposing of latex paint unnecessarily as hazardous waste is expensive, and according to information released by the County’s Division of Solid Waste Services (DSWS), disposal can be safely managed at home.

Solid Waste Services staff suggest that residents can “home manage” leftover latex paint by using it up, passing it on or allowing it to dry up. According to DSWS information, residents can:

“Use It Up” by mixing small amounts with other colors of paint or bulk it together for use as a primer coat on jobs where the final finish is not critical.

“Pass It On” by donating unopened cans of paint. Most schools, community organizations and theatre groups will accept unopened cans of paint, especially white.

“Dry It Up” by simply removing the lid and placing the can in a safe, well-ventilated area. Cans less than one-quarter full will dry in a few days. For fuller cans, add mulch, cat litter or a commercial hardener available at most area hardware stores. Empty or dried paint cans can be placed in with the regular household trash. The can of paint will be pulled out magnetically and recycled after the trash is processed at the County’s Resource Recovery Facility.