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With the arrival of warm weather, homes and businesses throughout Johnson County
will be adorned with a fresh coat of latex paint. Two questions are often asked
when the painting is done...
"How will I dispose of leftover latex paint?"
"Where will I dispose of the latex contaminated wastewater?
Unfortunately, the wrong answer can result in paint and wastewater being dumped
onto the ground, discharged to storm water drainage systems, or disposed of in
creeks and streams. If you choose any of these disposal methods you might be violating
the law. Water quality, solid waste, and local nuisance ordinance regulations prohibit
the improper disposal of paint and paint contaminated wastewater. Appropriate disposal
methods are easy, inexpensive, and readily available.
LATEX PAINT DISPOSAL
Latex paint can be disposed of through your trash collection service. PLEASE SOLIDIFY
THE PAINT FIRST! Paint can be solidified by simply leaving the lid off of the paint can
for an extended period of time until dried or by adding cat litter, oil dry, sand,
sawdust or similar absorbent. Once the paint has solidified, place the paint can in the
trash with the lid off. Be sure no liquid paint remains and that rainwater or other
liquids have not accumulated in the can.
Recycling is another way of disposing of leftover latex paint. The Johnson County
Environmental Department operates a Household Hazardous Materials Program collection
site. The collection site is a free service for Johnson County residents. Latex paint
delivered to the collection site is bulked and offered to community service organizations
and individuals for reuse in the metropolitan area. Contact the Johnson County
Environmental Department at (913) 715-6900 for additional information or visit our
Hazardous Materials page.
The City of Olathe provides a household hazardous materials collection site for
Olathe residents. Information about Olathe's collection site can be obtained by
calling (913) 764-6477.
Johnson County businesses, contractors and other commercial sources may dispose
of waste latex paint through the Johnson County Environmental Department's
Quantity Generator (SQG) Program. Contact JCED for more information about this fee based
service or visit our SQG page.
WASTEWATER DISPOSAL
While still wet, latex paint is easily cleaned from surfaces with mild soap and water.
The wastewater generated from cleaning paint brushes, sprayers, pans and rollers can be
discharged to the public sanitary sewerage system. Dispose of the wastewater with running
water and be sure to thoroughly flush the sewer line after each disposal. If large pieces
of dried paint have accumulated in the wastewater, use a strainer to remove them prior to
discharge.
LATEX PAINT SPILLS
DO NOT FLUSH SPILLS WITH WATER! A small quantity of latex paint goes a long way.
If latex paint is spilled on the ground surface, contain the spill and use an absorbent,
such as cat litter or oil dry, to solidify the paint. The absorbent and paint may then
be disposed of in the trash. In waterways, restrict the flow to prevent the spill from
spreading. If a large quantity of latex paint is spilled on the ground or into a waterway,
telephone the Johnson County Environmental Department at (913) 715-6900 or dial 911 for
Johnson County emergency services.
REPORT IMPROPER DISPOSAL
If you find a latex paint spill site, or witness latex paint dumping, please contact
your city's Codes Enforcement Officer or the Johnson County Environmental Department.
The Environmental Department can be reached anytime by dialing (913)
715-6900 or by
email.
An investigation may be needed. If warranted, remediation of the site may be required.
Your help is requested. Do not hesitate to report improper latex paint disposal.
REMEMBER:
PLEASE DISPOSE OF LATEX PAINT IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER AND HELP EDUCATE OTHERS IN
PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please call the Johnson County Environmental Department at (913)
715-6900 or email
the Industrial Pretreatment program.
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