Waste streams, classifications and management recommendations
The following table provides information on the classification and management of typical paint wastes. It is a guide only and provides the likely waste classifications.
The responsibility for classification and disposal rests with you. If you are unsure of the classification of a waste you must find out the properties of the waste and its contaminants and follow the Environmental guidelines for the assessment, classification and management of liquid and non-liquid wastes.
- Environmental Guidelines: Assessment, Classification & Management of Liquid & Non-liquid Wastes Waste_guide.pdf (PDF 522kb)
If in doubt, you may choose the worst-case classification (e.g. hazardous waste).
Waste stream | Likely waste classification according to the waste guidelines | Recommendations |
|---|
Dry paint (water- or solvent-based) | May be classified as solid waste unless it contains toxic additives such as lead. Dry lead paint waste or lead-paint-contaminated soil from residential premises or educational or childcare institutions is classified as solid waste. Dry lead paint from commercial or industrial premises is potentially industrial or hazardous waste depending on the concentration of lead. It needs to be assessed and classified. Dry paint containing toxic contaminants is potentially industrial or hazardous waste. It needs to be assessed and classified. | Solid waste (e.g. dry bulk paint mixed with paper, cardboard etc.) can be disposed of with municipal and domestic waste or into waste skips for final disposal to landfill. Make sure the landfill is licensed or can otherwise legally receive this type of solid waste. Should the dry paint waste be classified as industrial or hazardous waste, follow DECC's requirements for its handling and disposal. Explore all available treatment, recycling and reuse options. |
Liquid paint (water- or solvent-based) | Solvent-based paint can be flammable (Dangerous Goods) and therefore be classified as hazardous waste. Otherwise, liquid paint (including water-based paint) would generally be classified as Group A waste. | It is illegal to dispose of any liquid paint into open waters, the stormwater system (e.g. drains, gutters or pits), the sewer or landfill. Save the paint for the next job or find someone who can use it.
An environment protection licence is required to transport loads over 200 kg where a fee is involved. Send the paint to a liquid waste treatment facility licensed to receive this type of waste. |
Water washings from clean-up of water-based paint | These are likely to be Group A waste. | It is illegal to dispose of any wet paint into open water or the stormwater system (e.g. drains, gutters or pits).
The washings may be discharged into the sewer subject to authorisation from the local sewerage authority or council.
An environment protection licence is required to transport loads over 200 kg where a fee is involved. Send paint washings to a liquid waste treatment facility licensed to receive this type of waste. |
Solvent washings from cleaning up paint | Solvent washings can be flammable (Dangerous Goods) and therefore be classified as hazardous waste. A solvent-water mixture that is not flammable could be classified as Group A waste.
| Separate the paint solids and decant the solvent for reuse. It is illegal to dispose of any solvent waste or solvent washings in open waters or the stormwater system (e.g. drains, gutters or pits). Very dilute solvent washings may be discharged into the sewer subject to authorisation from the local sewerage authority or council. An environment protection licence is required to transport loads over 200 kg where a fee is involved. Send solvent washings to a solvent recycler or liquid waste treatment facility licensed to receive this type of waste. |
Paint cans | If empty and dry with no free liquid, they may be classified as solid waste. | May be recycled by steel recyclers. Councils may provide information regarding the local requirements and procedures for collection or drop-off. The metal cans should be empty and dry and have lids off. Alternatively, paint cans (dry & punctured) can be landfilled. Make sure the landfill is licensed or can otherwise legally receive this type of solid waste. |
Aerosol cans | Empty aerosol cans remain Dangerous Goods because of the residual compressed gas they contain. These are classified as hazardous waste. | Do not send to landfill. May be recycled by steel recyclers. Councils may provide information regarding the local requirements and procedures for collection or drop off. |
Brushes, rollers, rags, trays | Provided they are dry with no free liquid, these items may be classified as solid waste. | May be disposed of with municipal and domestic waste or into waste skips for final disposal to landfill. Make sure the landfill is licensed or can otherwise legally receive this type of solid waste. |
Page last updated: 27 February 2011
