AVRRDD's Household Hazardous Waste Day accepts latex paint

BERLIN — Latex paint will be accepted on Household Hazardous Waste Day, Saturday, June 14, at the Androscoggin Valley Regional Refuse Disposal District Transfer Station as a convenience to residents. However, unlike oil-based paints that contain solvents and must be cleaned up with mineral spirits or other solvents, latex paint contains water and the instructions recommend cleaning up with water.

Although latex paint can be brought to Household Hazardous Waste Day, it is recommended that you use the following paint-drying techniques to dispose of small amounts of latex paint: Remove the lid and let the paint dry in the can. Stir the paint occasionally for speed drying; or brush paint in layers on newspaper or cardboard. When it is dry, it can go in the trash. For larger amounts of latex paint: pour one-inch layers of paint into a cardboard lined with plastic. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time; thin layers will speed up the drying process, or mix paint with cat litter, sawdust or sand in a cardboard box lined with plastic and let it dry then place it in the trash.