IN THE CITY
Several times each year, we receive phone calls inquiring about the disposal of paint. The policy used to be that you could dispose of paint in the trash, but you had to add an absorbent to the paint to make it a solid. Thankfully, your life is going to be a little easier now with a paint disposal program that started in the State of Maine in October of last year.
First, the price is free, so you cannot get a better deal anywhere. We all know that nothing is really free, but the costs of this program are covered with a fee attached to all new paint that is sold. There is no charge for paint products accepted by this program when it is disposed of.
Secondly, the types of paint products accepted include latex, acrylic, alkyd, oil based, floor, field/lawn, and enamel paints. Other acceptable products include textured and deck coatings, stains, sealers, primers, shellac, varnish, and urethane. Waterproofing sealers for concrete, masonry, and wood are acceptable as well as metal coatings.
The following are NOT accepted in the program: solvents, paint thinners, aerosol spray cans, auto and marine paints, art and craft paints, paint additives, traffic and road marking paints, and Industrial Maintenance (IM) coatings.
For paint products to be accepted for disposal, the paint must be liquid and in its original (non-leaking) container with its original label. The original container must have a secure lid and be no more than five gallons in size.
There is one disposal site in Presque Isle, which is S.W. Collins Company on Rice Street. The maximum that you can take to S.W. Collins is five gallons per visit. Give them a call at 764-2720 if you have any other specific questions.
In conclusion, we hope you take advantage of this program by disposing of your old liquid paint in a responsible manner. If you would like more information about this program, visit the web site www.paintcare.org. If you have any questions about solid waste disposal, please call the Solid Waste Division at 760-2712.
Dana H. Fowler, P.E., is public services director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 760-2707 or via email at dfowler@presqueisleme.us.
