Pierce County CLEAN SWEEP ACCEPTABLE/UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS
Acceptable Items (Partial Listing) |
||
| Lead based paints | Solvent | Paint strippers |
| Oil based paints | Thermostats | Dioxins |
| Latex paints | Varnish | Fertilizer |
| Antifreeze | Corrosives | Pesticides |
| DDT | Poisons | PCBs |
| Mixed gas & oil | Cleaners | Insect spray |
| Button/rechargeable batteries |
Mercury | Transmission/ brake fluid |
| Lye | ||
Unacceptable Items |
| Household garbage |
| Medical / biological wastes |
Explosives |
| Empty pesticide containers |
| Radioactive materials |
Paint
If it is already dried up and doesn't contain lead, mercury, or other toxic substances, toss it in the garbage. oil based or latex paints can be dried out and tossed in the garbage. Empty paint cans can be recycled with tin cans. Save liquid paint for the Clean Sweep Hazardous waste collection. Suggestion: Buy only the quantity needed for a project. See if a friend/relative/neighbor, art class or theater group can use the unused portion.
Paint drying techniques: For small amounts: Remove the lid and let the paint dry in the can. Stir the paint occasionally to speed drying. Or, brush paint on newspaper or cardboard. For large amounts: Pour one-inch layers of paint into a cardboard box lined with plastic. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time-thin layers will speed up the drying process. Or, mix paint with cat litter, sawdust or sand in a cardboard box lined with plastic and let it dry. For latex paint that has separated: Pour the clear liquid on top into a cardboard box lined with plastic. Mix the liquid with an equal amount of cat litter or other absorbent and let it dry. Let the leftover paint in the bottom of the can dry out, using one of the above techniques.
Solid Waste / Recycling Main Page