Not sure what kind of paint you've got? Click here for a paint and finish ID and disposal guide.

DISPOSING OF PAINTS AND FINISHES
Disposing of paints and finishes is generally easy: Emmet County accepts most kinds by appointment at our Household Chemical Drop-off Days (HCDDs). And the only kind not accepted at HCDDs - ordinary, modern latex paint - can be thrown out at the Waste Transfer Station year-round once it is solidified.


Read this if you've GOT LATEX PAINTS
Some latex paints contain

• LEAD - those manufactured before 1980 - - or
• PESTICIDES - those marketed to hide, kill or resist mildew or preserve wood.

Paints & Finishes to Bring to a Household Chemical Drop-off Day
All oil-based paints and finishes should be disposed of as hazardous waste-through a Household Chemical Drop-off Day. Most latex paints can be landfilled safely once they're solid; the exceptions are listed below.

Latexes Qualifying as Hazardous Waste Old latex paints which may contain lead (manufactured before 1980.) "Mildew resistant" latex paints labeled. They contain pesticides. "Wood preservative" latex paints. They also contain pesticides. Most latex paints can be landfilled safely once they're solid. However, the above contain more toxic ingredients which require handling as hazardous waste. Bring them to a Household Chemical Drop-off Day.

Oil-Based Paints and Other Finishes Oil based paints, Spray paints Epoxy paints Polyurethane Wood finishes, Shellacs, Varnishes, and Wood preservatives must be brought to a Household Chemicals Drop-off for safe disposal.

• newspaper, drop-cloths, or plastic sheeting to protect the area where you plan to work,
• a screw driver and/or other tools to open the cans,
• scoopable kitty litter,
• stir sticks,
• coffee cans, ice cream buckets, or similar containers with lids if any of your paint cans are over 2/3 full, and
• paper towels or rags for clean up.

What to Do - 1*2*3!
1. Open up a can. (This can be difficult, but remember you're planning to throw it away so you won't need the can to seal with anymore). If it's more than 2/3 full, pour some of it into a coffee can, ice cream bucket, or the like.

2. Put in some kitty litter, and stir it up. Start with a cup or two of the cat litter; how much you need will depend on the nature and condition of the paint.

3. When the paint is a stiff, putty-like consistency, let it sit for two days. Then close up the cans/buckets and bring them to the Emmet County Transfer Station. You'll be charged to dispose of them as regular garbage. The Transfer Station is open 8-4 weekdays and 8-3 Saturdays and is located at 7363 Pleasantview Road (1 mile north of M119).

How NOT TO dispose of Latex Paint
Latex paint is less toxic than oil-based paint, but it still generally has poisonous chemicals in it. Since latex paint is often up to half water, it can easily soak into soil or spread through water in the environment. So while it's okay to rinse brushes and rollers and clean-up your hands at a sink after painting with a latex, do not pour paint into drains (whether to sewer, septic tank, or storm drain). And, while it's designed to be safe to dispose of in an ordinary landfill, it must be solidified first.

The best place to start
It may be too late this time, but the best way to handle extra paint is to avoid buying it. Most paints list how many square feet they will cover on the label. Measure the area you plan to paint (length x height=area) and ask the salesperson in the paint department for help in buying only the amount you need. This way you avoid waste and save your money and time.

Next, use up the paint you buy. If there is just a little bit left, apply another coat to use it up. Or use it for touch ups later.

If you plan to use paint for future touch ups, be sure to store it in a heated building because freezing ruins latex paint. If the paint is watery or the clear and colored portions keep separating when you try to mix them, then your paint is not usable.