| Alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries: (non-rechargeable batteries used in toys, radios, flashlights and other household products) | It is safe to place these batteries in the trash. |
| Mercuric-oxide batteries: (non-rechargeable batteries used in hearing aids | Manufacturers and retailers have a collection system in place |
| Nickel-cadmium batteries: (rechargeable batteries used in kitchen appliances, rechargeable power tools and other household products) | Manufacturers and retailers have a collection system in place |
| Small lead-acid batteries: (rechargeable batteries used in camcorders, laptop computers, cell phones and other household products) | Manufacturers and retailers have a collection system in place |
Paint is a common household product. Leftover paint can become a household hazardous waste. Paint contains chemicals, such as solvents and metals, that can damage the environment--especially water supplies--and endanger human health if not disposed of properly.
DO NOT...
Pour paint down the drain. Many chemicals in
paint may not be treated by sewage treatment plants or septic systems. The untreated
chemicals may be discharged to rivers and streams and contaminate these waters. Fish,
wildlife, plants, and humans can be adversely affected.
DO NOT...
Throw paint in the trash when it's in liquid
form. Eventually, most household trash is compacted, releasing paint from the can,
causing problems in garbage trucks and landfills. In the landfill, it can seep down through the
garbage, mixing with rainwater and other liquids forming a leachate which may eventually
contaminate groundwater. Groundwater is Iowa's major source of drinking water!
YOU CAN....
Make environmentally responsible choices;
choose water-based (latex) paints instead of oil-based whenever possible.
Choose only non-aerosol paints instead of spray paints.
Buy only the amount of paint you need for a project.
Give unused paint to someone else who can use it (a neighbor, community theatre group, low-income agency, parks systems, schools, etc.).
TO SAFELY DISPOSE OF WATER-BASED PAINT....
Completely dried and hardened paint can be put
in the trash. Leave lids off of cans so workers will know paint is dried out.
Liquid paint needs to be dried out in an area with adequate ventilation (preferably outside), out of reach of children and pets. Be very careful not to inhale fumes.
Smaller quantities can be dried by removing the lid and allowing the liquids to evaporate. Stir occasionally to hasten drying.
Larger quantities can be poured in layers (about 1/2 inch thick) in a cardboard box lined with plastic, newspaper, or kitty litter. Repeat layers as necessary.
For paint that has separated and cannot be mixed, pour off clear liquids on top, leaving a semi-solid sludge in the can to dry. Pour the liquid into a cardboard box lined with plastic and mix with an equal amount of absorbent material, such as kitty litter. The end product should be similar in texture to the absorbent material.
For lead-based paint, oil-based paint and other paint products, contact the Resource Recovery Plant for disposal assistance.