MANAGING LEFTOVER PAINT

Did you know that an average of approximately two gallons of household paint are sold for each person in the United States each year? While household paint is a regular part of our homes and lives, too much of that paint ends up in our nation’s landfills because people needlessly throw it away. When properly stored, paint can last for years.

Do your part to protect the environment, and follow these six steps to avoid improperly disposing of leftover paint:

· Always buy only what you need and use it up. This is called source reduction.

· After you have used up your paint, recycle or discard the empty can.

· If you do have leftover paint, store it properly for future projects.

· Donate useable leftover paint to churches, community groups, theater groups, or others who may be in need.

· Dry out leftover latex-based paint and discard it with your normal trash.

· Save leftover solvent-based paint for disposal at one of our Tri-Annual Household Hazardous Waste Days.

For more information about waste prevention and recycling programs, contact the Cumberland County Improvement Authority at 825-3700, or visit our Web site at CCIA-net.com.