Paints and coatings

Most solvent-based paint and coating wastes are dangerous because they are ignitable or contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

Thinners and solvents used in paint preparation, painting, spray guns, or cleanup are usually dangerous because they are ignitable or designate as listed waste. Common examples:

• Acetone
• Toluene
• Xylene
• MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)

Paint booth filters are often dangerous waste because of the residue from paints left behind, such as: 

• Toxic metals, like cadmium, chromium, and lead that may end up in your filters.
• Halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) that designate as dangerous.

The only way to know if your paint booth filters are dangerous waste is to test them.

How to test paint booth filters for dangerous waste

When it is time to change your paint booth filters, have the used filters tested for dangerous waste. Here's how:

• Protect yourself from hazardous dusts during this process.
• Cut a 1-foot square piece from the dirtiest part of the filter or bank of filters.
• Seal it in a plastic bag.
• Send the filter sample to a state certified lab.
  • Request SW-846 Method 9023 for halogenated organic compounds.
  • If you suspect your primer contains lead, chromium, or cadmium (check the Safety Data Sheets or talk to your paint manufacturer), request SW-846 Method 1311, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) for metals.
• Keep a copy of the lab report. During an inspection, you may have to show a report proving your filters are not dangerous waste.

If your lab results show that the filters aren’t dangerous waste, you may throw them in the garbage. If they are dangerous, you must follow all dangerous waste rules.

Water-based paints and coating are less likely to designate as dangerous waste. Some designate as dangerous because the product mixture contains toxic ingredients.

• Check your Safety Data Sheets for ingredients that would make it designate as dangerous waste.

No. If you use a still, the still bottoms are dangerous waste.

Here is a list of tips that may be useful in your painting or coating facility:

• Buy only as much paint as you need.
• Mix and use the least amount of coating possible. Mix only what you will use.
• Give leftover paint to customers for touch-ups.
• Return unused paint to the manufacturer if it is not past the expiration date. It may be possible to sell it through an industrial materials exchange service, as well.
• If possible, reduce the number of different coatings and colors you use.
• Use water-borne primers and stay informed about new developments in water-based top coats.
• Use optimum gun settings and spray tips for each job.
• Where possible, choose thin coatings using heat rather than solvents.
• Use disposable liners for paint containers and spray gun cups. Disposing of liners creates less waste than disposing of rinsing material.
• Schedule jobs in batches to reduce number of cleanups.
• Contact a pollution prevention specialist to learn how to reduce paint waste, which can save you money on product and disposal costs.

Businesses need to know paint and coating designation codes and characteristics. Some paints will also require Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) due to heavy metals.

Here is a common designation code:

• Oil- or solvent-based paint (used or expired): ignitable, toxic. Waste code: D001.