The use of heavy metals in paint has raised concerns due to their toxicity at high exposure levels and because they accumulate in the food chain.

Another harmful material that can be found in paint is lead. Lead is normally added to paint to speed drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture that causes corrosion. Paint with significant lead content is still used in industry and the military. For example, lead paint is sometimes used to paint driveways and parking lot lines. Lead, a poisonous metal, can damage nerve connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders. Due to lead’s low reactivity and solubility, lead poisoning generally only occurs in cases where it is dispersed, such as when lead-based paint is sanded before repainting.

Hexavalent chromium-containing primer paint is still widely used for automotive refinishing and aerospace applications. Zinc chromate has been used as a pigment for artists’ paint, known as zinc yellow or yellow 36. It is highly toxic and fortunately rarely used now.

Antifouling paint (or primer) is used to protect ship hulls from fouling by marine organisms. Anti-fouling paint protects the surface from corrosion and prevents the boat from being dragged by a buildup of marine organisms. These paints contained organotin compounds such as tributyltin, which are considered toxic chemicals with negative effects on humans and the environment. Tributyltin compounds are moderately to highly persistent organic contaminants that bioconcentrate in the food chain of marine predators. A common example is the leaching of marine paints into the aquatic environment, causing irreversible damage to aquatic life. Tributyltin has also been linked to obesity in humans, as it activates genes that cause fat cells to grow.

The label on an oil-based paint will say “oil-based” or “alkyd,” or tell you to clean your brushes with mineral spirits or white spirits. Paints of this type are toxic and can cause great harm to the environment (including humans and animals) if not disposed of properly.

Latex or water-based paint, on the other hand, is not considered a hazardous waste and can enjoy many reincarnations after its initial use. Latex paints are those that clean up with soap and water. They are very common for both interior and exterior painting. However, even this type of clothing should be disposed of or recycled properly. Specifically, it is not recommended to pour latex paint down drains, onto the ground, or into streams, creeks, or rivers. Disposing of paint in this way introduces contaminants into the air, soil, and groundwater that can eventually make their way up the food chain.

When considering how to dispose of large amounts of unused paint, always seek professional advice. Any reputable hazardous waste removal service will be able to help you.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the environmental impact of your paint consumption.

1. Choose a low VOC paint if possible

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted by various solids or liquids, many of which have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Solvents in traditional paints often contain high amounts of VOCs. Low VOC paints can improve indoor air quality and reduce urban smog. Beneficial features of such paints include low odor, clean air, and safer technology, as well as excellent durability and a washable finish. Low VOC paint types include latex (water-based), recycled latex (water-based), acrylic, and milk paint.

Paint can labels can be checked for the following information:

To be considered low VOC, the paint must contain <50 g/l VOC.

To be considered zero VOC, the paint must contain <5 g/l of VOC.

The solids content is usually between 25 and 45%; higher percent solids indicate lower VOCs

2. Avoid buying excess paint

Every year, 10 per cent of the paint sold in the UK is thrown away simply because too much has been bought for each project. You can avoid that mistake by using a paint calculator to help you determine how much paint your project really needs.

3. Reuse your paint

If stored correctly, the paint will last for years. To store it correctly, you must

– Cover the opening of the paint can with plastic wrap.

– Put the lid on securely and make sure it does not leak.

– Turn the can upside down to allow the paint to create its own seal.

– Store the can upside down in a place protected from freezing and out of the reach of children and pets.

4. Recycle your unused paint

The best way to handle paint scraps (after avoiding overbuying) is to find someone who can reuse your scraps. Try to be imaginative: councils, schools, universities and art academies may be happy to use some of your old paint for their projects.

Unused paint can also be recycled to make low-quality paint. Latex sludge can be recovered and used as fillers in other industrial products. Waste solvents can be recovered and used as fuel for other industries. A clean paint container can be reused or sent to the local landfill.

If your large amount of paint cannot be reused or recycled, then it is a good idea to call a professional chemical waste disposal service.