Introduction
If you’re a resident or business owner in Dekalb County, Georgia, you may be wondering how to dispose of old or unused paint in an environmentally friendly way. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Dekalb County’s paint disposal program in 2023.
Why Proper Paint Disposal is Important
Improper disposal of paint can harm the environment, wildlife, and human health. Paint contains hazardous chemicals that can seep into soil and water sources if not disposed of properly. By disposing of paint responsibly, you can help protect the environment and your community.
How to Dispose of Paint in Dekalb County
Dekalb County offers several options for paint disposal:
- Curbside Collection: Residents can place up to 10 gallons of paint in their regular trash bin for curbside collection. Be sure to seal the paint cans tightly and label them “latex paint” or “oil-based paint.”
- Dekalb County Sanitation Division: Residents can drop off up to 50 gallons of paint at the Sanitation Division’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The facility is open on Saturdays from 8am-12pm.
- PaintCare: PaintCare is a nonprofit organization that operates paint recycling programs in several states, including Georgia. Residents and businesses can drop off old paint at participating retailers and recycling centers, including some locations in Dekalb County.
Preparing Your Paint for Disposal
Before disposing of paint, it’s important to prepare it properly:
- Label: Label each paint can with the type of paint (latex or oil-based) and the date it was opened.
- Seal: Seal the paint can tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Store: Store paint in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
What Happens to Recycled Paint?
Paint that is dropped off for recycling is sorted by type and color, then filtered and blended to create new paint products. Recycled paint is sold to consumers and businesses at a lower cost than new paint, and it’s often just as high quality.
Why Recycling Paint is a Good Idea
Recycling paint has several benefits:
- Environmental: Recycling paint reduces the amount of waste in landfills and prevents hazardous chemicals from seeping into the environment.
- Economic: Recycling paint creates jobs and supports local economies.
- Social: Recycling paint benefits community members by offering low-cost paint options and reducing the need for new paint production.
Tips for Reducing Paint Waste
Here are some tips for reducing paint waste:
- Buy only what you need: Estimate the amount of paint you need before purchasing, and avoid overbuying.
- Use it up: Use up leftover paint for touch-ups or small projects.
- Donate: Donate unused paint to local charities or schools.
The Bottom Line
Proper paint disposal is an important part of protecting the environment and your community. In Dekalb County, you have several options for disposing of paint, including curbside collection, the Sanitation Division’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, and PaintCare. By preparing your paint properly and recycling it, you can help reduce waste and support local economies.
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