Latex Paint Disposal Policy

- Effective Immediately -

Wet latex paint cannot be disposed of within the regular trash, nor will the county accept it through the hazardous waste stream.  For years, we have instructed residents to place kitty litter or other commercially available drying agents into the wet cans, wait for the paint to dry and then enclose the cans within their regular trash.  This process requires some effort and time.  Unfortunately, many latex paint cans have not been successfully dried prior to placement in the household trash, and these cans have leaked onto Village roadways and in the back of the trash trucks causing a mess and damage. 

            Both to assist our residents and to prevent paint cans from leaking, we enacted a policy to ensure latex paint cans are sufficiently dried prior to disposal:

• When you are preparing to dispose of latex paint cans, proceed to add either kitty litter or another commercially-available drying agent (available at local hardware stores) to the can.
• Once you feel that the paint can has sufficiently dried, contact the Village Communications Center or visit the Village website to complete a Public Works Order form to request a “paint can check”.  The can(s) must be placed in an easily accessible exterior location (in the vicinity of your refuse/recycling containers or on your driveway is best).
• Once your request is received by the Village, a Public Works employee will be sent to your home, typically within two business days, to determine if the cans are sufficiently dry.
• If the can is sufficiently dry, Public Works staff will place a green sticker on the top of the can approving it for safe disposal. 
• If the can is not sufficiently dry, Public Works will affix a red sticker to the top of the can indicating that either additional time or application of more kitty litter or drying agents are necessary.
• Once a can receives a green sticker, you may proceed to place the can in a bag along with your regular household trash.

This process is intended to ensure latex paint cans are safe for disposal.  Should you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact the Village office.