EVERETT — People can now recycle used latex paint for a fee, thanks to a new Snohomish County program.
It can brought to the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Station in Everett.
County Councilman Sam Low formerly ran a painting business for 10 years and saw how the recycling program could be helpful.
“Every garage I’ve ever been in has had a pile of paint,” Low said. Homeowners would always ask, “What can I do with this paint?”
Until now, people could dry out the can and throw it in the trash. With smaller amounts of paint when the weather is warm, that can be accomplished in a well-ventilated area shielded from the elements and at a safe distance from curious children or pets.
For larger amounts, use kitty litter, mulch, soil, sawdust or shredded paper to speed the drying process. A 50-50 mixture, with a consistency similar to lumpy oatmeal, provides the fastest drying time, according to a county news release. Another option is using a commercial paint hardener.
For those who want to recycle, keep the paint in its original container — and don’t combine partial paint cans.
The recycling fee is $10 for up to five 1-gallon containers, or $20 for six to 10. For 5-gallon containers, it costs $10 each.
“Keeping paint out of landfills is good for our community and the environment,” County Executive Dave Somers said in the news release.
The county has contracted with a third party, GreenSheen Paint & Design of Englewood, Colorado, to pick up the paint for recycling. The program is expected to cost up to $200,000 per year, based on volume.
Learn more
The county’s hazardous waste drop-off station is at 3434 McDougall Ave., Everett. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The facility takes payment by cash, check, debit or credit card.
More info: www.snohomishcountywa.gov/477.
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