Fact Sheet: Paints, Inks and Other Organic Residuals--Hazardous Nature Of These Wastes

Virginia Waste Minimization Program
Vol. II Issue 7

A Fact Sheet from the Virginia Waste Minimization Program: Paints, Inks and Other Organic Residuals--Hazardous Nature Of These Wastes.

Paints, Inks and Other Organic Residuals--Hazardous Nature of These Wastes

Waste paint and printing inks may be hazardous due to one or more characteristics. Not all waste streams from the painting, coating or printing industries are classified as hazardous. However, the use of paints or inks containing heavy metals and/or solvents may result in the generation of hazardous waste due to toxicity or ignitability (having a flashpoint of less than 140 degrees F). Metals generally of concern are lead. chromium, cadmium, and barium.

Industry Sources

Application of paints and coatings involves the use of solvents, thinners and various paint products containing solvents, and some heavy metals. In addition, printing processes employ solvents and ink products that may contain solvents as well as heavy metals. Hazardous waste streams containing solvents and heavy metals are generated as a result of these activities:

Source Waste Stream

Printing/Publishing waste inks: spent solvents; press clean-up

Painting/Coating waste paint; overspray; overrun paints; paint filters: paint booth stripping materials: paint sludges from water-wash curtains.

Waste Management Options

Proper handling, storage, labeling and disposal/treatment of waste paints and inks will differ depending on their characteristics. Solvent base waste should be managed differently than water base wastes. Metal base wastes should be stored and handled separately.

Hazardous (solvent base and/or metal containing)

Storage -	Segregate from water base products Store in closed leak-proof containers
Labeling -	Label as hazardous waste and other appropriate labeling
Disposal -	Reformulation Incineration Fuel blending (except chlorinated solvents).

Non-Hazardous (water-based with no metals)

Storage -	Segregate from solvent base (and/or metal containing) Store in closed leakproof container
Labeling -
Disposal -

Printed on Recycled Paper

DON'TS

• Use appropriate labeling. If any:
  
  • Reuse on-site
    
  • Reformulation
    
  • Fuel blending or incineration (ink).
    
• Don't sewer waste paints or inks without the approval of your local sewer authority.
  
• Don't mix paints or ink types.
  
• Don't throw in dumpster without codisposal permit.
  
• Don't evaporate solvents.
  
• Don't offer chlorinated solvent-based paints to waste oil hauler or fuel blender.

Waste Reduction Options

High raw material costs for paints and inks in conjunction with increased waste disposal costs have changed the way painters, coaters, and printers look at their operations. Practicing waste reduction in these industries can significantly reduce these costs by reducing generated wastes. Several waste reduction alternatives exist depending on the characteristics of the wastes.

Improvements in housekeeping and quality control.

Recycling

• On-site: Paint recycling for electrostatic or water-wash curtain; ink reformulation
  
• Off-site: Reformulation and pigment/metal recovery.

Product substitution

• Water-based products for solvent-based products
  
• Non-metal base products for metal-based products
  
• Use of high solid inks or paints.

More efficient equipment

• Installation of electrostatic or powder coating equipment for painting/coating.
  
• Waste exchange (contact Virginia Waste Minimization Program for more information
  
• Bulk quantities of unused paints or inks.

Non-profit community groups who can use wastes

• Salvation Army/Goodwill
  
• Project for Pride in Living
  
• Studio arts, drama groups, theaters.
  
• Fuel blending or incineration at an approved facility.

This Waste Reduction Fact Sheet was reprinted with permission from the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP). Modifications have been made to tailor this fact sheet for use ill Virginia.)

This Waste Reduction Fact Sheet Is provided as a service of the Virginia Waste Minimization Program, a technical assistance program of the Virginia Department of Waste Management

For more information on opportunities to reduce waste contact:

Virginia Waste Minimization Program
11th Floor Monroe Building, 101 North 14th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-371-8716 or 1-800-552-2075
TDD 804-371-8737