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Paint and varnishes (£)
Details the disposal route for paints and varnishes.
Paints and varnishes are often considered as a hazardous waste and must be disposed of with care.
This also applies to varnishes, glues, bituminous based substances, cleaning materials and other substances used in the maintenance and upkeep of buildings and roofs.
Paints and varnishes MUST NEVER be discharged to the surface waste drains or poured down the drain. Some are hazardous and would therefore will cause damage to the environment or endanger health if they were to be disposed of in this (illegal) manner.
Gloss paint and varnishes
Unwanted gloss paint or varnishes, or any of the above listed substances, are hazardous in nature and must be consigned of as special waste and disposed of via an authorised special waste contractor.
The Waste and Recycling Team will arrange this for you so please contact them with a list, including volume(s), using the chemical waste uplift form (available below).
For more information please refer to Waste Guidance Notes, see link below.
Emulsion, water-based paints
Unwanted emulsion paints are not hazardous in nature but will contaminate our general waste/recycling streams if they spill. Cans containing liquid emulsion or water-based paints are therefore not suitable for general waste disposal.
The Waste & Recycling Team will arrange for the appropriate removal and disposal of unfinished tins / containers of this kind of paint. There may be reuse opportunities available and these will be investigated. If not, the unfinished paints will be disposed of via our authorised special waste contractor.
Emulsion or water-based paint containers that are empty or that contain non-hazardous paint that is completely dried, may be suitable for landfill disposal. Please contact the Waste & Recycling Team to discuss this in order to insure the correct waste stream is used.
13 Infirmary Street
Edinburgh EH1 1LT
United Kingdom
This article was published on Oct 31, 2011