Paint and Paint-Related Waste Disposal

The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidance for the proper collection, storage, and disposal of latex, epoxy, and oil-based paint wastes used in and around university buildings.

This procedure applies to all University at Buffalo employees and contractors. This includes facilities painters, laborers, or any other person that performs painting. This will also apply to faculty, students and staff if they paint.

Refer to UB Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Guidebook concerning the management and disposal of hazardous waste and hazardous materials. UB facilities personnel should refer to the University Facilities Safety Manual, Hazardous Waste Disposal Policy for additional guidance. Any additional questions may be addressed to the UB EHS Hazardous Waste Manager.

The primary responsibility for following this procedure falls with the person(s) using any form of paint in all university buildings and areas.

Latex or acrylic latex paints are paints that use water as the primary vehicle or thinner. Other additives may be present; generally this type of paint is of low toxicity

Oil based paints use one of many organic solvents instead of water as the primary vehicle or thinner. Common solvents used in oil base paints include mineral spirits, toluene, xylene, and other petroleum distillate solvents. These solvents can cause the paint to be combustible or flammable.

Rags, debris, etc. which are soaked with oil based paints and solvents such as mineral spirits. The primary hazard for this type of waste would be flammability.

A hazardous waste satellite accumulation area is a location at which hazardous wastes destined to be collected by UB EHS are temporarily stored. The total volume in an SAA must not exceed 55 gallons of waste.

1. Latex paints and water based epoxy paints. Latex paints are considered low tox materials and are not required to be collected as hazardous wastes. However, cans cannot be disposed of in the regular trash unless they meet the following requirement; all free liquid must be solidified or evaporated prior to placing in a trash dumpster. Free liquid may be solidified in the paint can by adding speedy dry or another non biodegradable absorbent. Once the paint has been solidified, it may be placed in the trash. Alternatively, if a small amount of residual paint has been left in the bottom of the can, it may be left out to dry. Once dry, the can may be placed in the trash.
2. Oil based paints (including solvent based epoxy paints). Oil based paints are considered hazardous waste and must be properly managed as such. All procedures concerning the collection of hazardous wastes such as collection, labeling, satellite accumulation, etc., must be followed. Refer to the UB EHS web site or the EHS Hazardous Chemical Waste Guidebook for further details on the management of hazardous waste. UB EHS will collect and properly dispose of oil based paints. 
3. Paint related wastes from oil based paints and/or rags soaked with mineral spirits. These wastes must be collected as hazardous wastes. All procedures concerning the collection of hazardous wastes such as collection, labeling, satellite accumulation, etc., must be followed. Refer to the UB EHS web site for further details on the management of hazardous waste. This waste stream must be collected in proper containers which can be sealed. If any free liquid is present, wastes must also be collected in leak proof containers. UB EHS will collect and properly dispose of oil based paints.