Residents are now able to drop off their unused latex paint at Spokane’s Waste to Energy Facility (WTE) for recycling under the new PaintCare program in Washington State. Fees collected on the sale of paint products in Washington now support this statewide takeback program.
Since latex paint is not a hazardous material, the disposal directions in the past had been to dry it out and throw it in the trash. Now under PaintCare, latex paint can be collected for recycling and reuse. PaintCare sites like the WTE facility accept house paint as well as primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings such as shellac and varnish. Unused paint in good condition may also be available to residents on the re-use table along with other household and garden products.
To be accepted for drop-off, latex paint must:
- be in its original container with the manufacturer’s printed label visible
- be securely covered with its original lid
- be no larger than 5 gallons in size
Cans that are open or leaking are not accepted. Up to 15 gallons per visit will be accepted for drop off by residents. Businesses and contractors can contact PaintCare directly to arrange for pick up or commercial drop off locations. The WTE facility accepts household hazardous materials, and now latex paint, from residents only.
Dropping off paint at WTE keeps that material out of the waste stream. Material like latex paint collected in the PaintCare program goes to be made into new paint or, depending on its condition, repurposed for other uses.
The Recycling Drop Off area at WTE is open 7 days a week except for major holidays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 509.625.6580 for more information or visit our website. Residents can learn more about Washington’s PaintCare program online, by email, or by calling (855)PAINT09.
