How to Properly Dispose of Paint in Kennewick, WA: An In-Depth Guide
Hey there! My name is Lillie Gabler. As a home improvement expert with over 10 years of experience in renovations and DIY projects, I‘ve learned first-hand how important it is to properly dispose of paint.
Mistakes in paint disposal can be hazardous to the environment and result in contamination of local landfills, soil, and waterways. I want to help you safely get rid of leftover paint so you can protect the beautiful Pacific Northwest we both call home.
In this guide, I‘ll share everything I‘ve learned about proper paint disposal specific to the Kennewick area. I‘ll provide more details on disposal locations, how to prepare paint for regular trash, useful statistics, and answers to common questions I often get asked about this topic.
Let‘s work together to keep paint out of the local landfill and groundwater supply!
Locations to Drop Off Paint in Kennewick
Getting rid of liquid paint often means taking it somewhere that specializes in paint disposal. Here are the best facility options in the Kennewick area:
Benton County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
This facility is open 3 days per week year-round and is the top choice for Kennewick residents to safely dispose of leftover paint (both latex and oil-based).
Address: 6600 W Canal Dr, Kennewick, WA 99336
Hours:
- Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
- Thursday: 8am – 5pm
- Friday: 8am – 5pm
- Saturday: 8am – 4:30pm
What They Accept:
- Interior and exterior architectural paint
- Primers, sealers, stains, varnishes
- Marine paints (limit of 5 gallons per trip)
- Automotive paints (limit of 5 gallons per trip)
Yearly Totals: This facility safely disposed of 188,840 lbs of paint and related products in 2021 alone!
Cost: Free for residents. Small fee for businesses – $1 per gallon container under 35 gallons.
Tips for Dropping Off Paint:
- Limit 5 gallon containers per trip
- Keep paint in original containers with labels
- Containers should be sealed with no leaks
- No consolidated paint from multiple cans
This is the ideal option for paint disposal in Kennewick. The staff are very helpful if you have any questions!
Material Recovery Facility
This waste transfer station offers latex paint recycling for a small fee. Located in north Kennewick near the landfill.
Address: 11005 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick, WA
Paint Recycling Hours: Monday – Saturday from 8am – 4pm
What They Accept: Latex paint only from households and businesses in Benton and Franklin counties.
Cost: $2 per gallon of latex paint. They do not accept oil-based paints.
Tips for Dropping Off Paint:
- Appointment required to drop off paint
- Limit 20 gallons of latex paint per appointment
- Paint must be in original containers
This is a great option for responsible latex paint disposal in our community. Give them a call at (509) 734-9155 to set up an appointment to drop off paint.
How to Dry Out and Dispose Paint in Regular Trash
If taking liquid paint to a disposal location isn‘t possible, you can prepare the paint to go in your normal household trash by drying it out first.
Here are some step-by-step instructions on how I recommend drying out paint safely:
Supplies Needed
- Newspapers, cardboard, or other absorbent material
- Paint hardening product or cat litter
- Plastic buckets or aluminum pie tins to hold paint
- Stir sticks to mix in drying agents
- Gloves and goggles for safety
Instructions
- Cover your work surface with newspaper or cardboard. This helps in case of spills.
- Pour the paint you want to dry out into a plastic bucket or aluminum pie tin. I don‘t recommend using cardboard as it will degrade as it absorbs paint.
- Determine how much drying agent you need. For cat litter, use roughly 1 part paint to 2 parts litter. For commercial hardening products, check label recommendations.
- Mix the drying agent into the paint thoroughly using a stir stick.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 24-48 hours, mixing occasionally, until completely hardened and dry.
- Once fully dried, the paint is safe to discard in your regular household trash.
- Make sure to leave the lids off containers as you dry the paint for proper ventilation.
Follow these steps to turn hazardous liquid paint into a non-toxic solid for ordinary landfill disposal. I recommend working outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wear protective equipment when handling wet paint.
If possible, allow extra drying time in our region‘s humid climate before disposal. Completely dried out paint poses no environmental risk!
FAQ About Paint Disposal in Kennewick
I know you might still have some questions about properly getting rid of paint in our area. Here are answers to some of the most common questions I receive:
How much paint can I bring to the HHW facility?
The Benton County HHW facility allows up to 5 gallon-sized containers per visit. Anything above 5 gallons is considered commercial hazardous waste which requires special handling.
What types of paint are not accepted?
Some specialty paint products like automotive paint, road/traffic paints, roof patch and repair tars, and thick solvent-based paints like spackling paste are often not accepted. Always call the HHW first if you are unsure about a specific paint product.
Can I dry out paint by leaving the lid off?
Yes, removing the lid is critical to allow the paint to fully dry out! Latex paint left uncovered will thicken over time as the water evaporates. Be sure to stir occasionally. Leaving the lid off speeds drying compared to a sealed container.
How should I transport old paint to dispose of it?
Transport paint in a sturdy box or plastic bin with a secure lid in your vehicle. This prevents spills or leaks during transport. Never transport paint loose in truck beds or passenger compartments.
What are the steps to recycle paint?
Recycling involves taking old paint to a facility that can re-blend and reformulate it into new recycled paint. HHW locations don‘t offer recycling, but some retailers like Sherwin Williams accept paint for recycling. The paint must be usable/uncontaminated in its original container.
Can I bury old paint in my yard?
No, never bury paint cans or dump liquid paint onto the ground! This can leach chemicals into soil and groundwater. All paint should be fully dried out before disposal in a landfill. Backyard burial of paint is illegal and hazardous.
I hope these tips help explain the specifics of proper paint disposal in the Kennewick area. Please let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help fellow DIYers with their home improvement projects. Let‘s work together to safely get rid of leftover paint.