Latex Paint Removed from HHW Program in 2010

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program is one of the most popular and most expensive District programs. In 2008, 10,513 households used the HHW program to safely dispose of materials like lawn and pool chemicals, cleaners, batteries, and automotive fluids. The program strives to reduce household poisonings, waste worker injuries, and environmental damage from illegal dumping.

In 2010, the HHW Program will no longer accept latex paint. Paint comprises about 70% of the material received through the HHW program by weight and the majority of that paint is latex. Fortunately, latex paint is not a hazardous waste and residents can safely throw away hardened latex paint with regular trash. Removing latex paint from the list of acceptable items allows the District to reduce the significant cost of the program ($299,000 in 2008) while still providing a needed outlet for household hazardous waste to residents of Hamilton County.

Advise residents to simply leave the lid off latex paint and mix in sand, sawdust, or kitty litter to speed-up the drying out process. Many local hardware stores also carry paint hardeners. Once the paint is dry, remind residents to leave the lid off when they dispose of the can with their regular trash so the waste hauler can see that the paint is solid. Waste haulers cannot pick up liquids. The District also strongly encourages residents to reduce waste by only purchasing the volume of paint they will need.

The HHW program will still accept oil based, acrylic, and other non-latex types of paint as well as paint thinners. For more information about our program and other outlets to dispose of HHW, click here.