Singapore law requires both wet and dried paint to be disposed of through approved methods. Do not discard liquid paint in household bins or drains; this action breaches NEA toxic-waste regulations.
Leftover paints contain chemicals that can pass through wastewater systems and enter drinking water if they’re not sufficiently discarded. This can not only be harmful to humans – who depend on water for almost anything – but can also threaten freshwater and saltwater fish and plants.
Even though Singapore has few farms, this hazardous waste can negatively impact livestock and other food sources, such as farming crops in our neighboring countries too. Below are four NEA-recognised disposal methods.
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The Environmental Public Health (Toxic Industrial Waste) Regulations govern every stage of paint-waste transport, treatment and disposal. These regulations also outline the list of controlled toxic industrial wastes and how they are to be dealt with in respect to paint disposal.
All toxic waste collectors must, according to the regulations, be licensed before they can transport or dispose of various waste materials. Moreover, you’ll need to get approval before transporting excessive waste that exceed the volumes and quantities of the stipulated amounts.
The relative license will be issued to you on the condition that:
- Your toxic waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility is in a suitable isolated or industrial area that is distanced from any form of water catchment
- The types and volumes of waste you’re getting rid of correspond with its treatment and disposal processes
- You provide all the measures that’ll prevent any leaking or the accidental release of toxic wastes.
Paint Disposal Options
Option 1: Drying Out Paint
Latex, acrylic and other water-based paints must be solidified before disposal. It’s crucial to avoid pouring leftover paint down drains or tossing cans directly into the trash.
- Allow leftover paint to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before discarding it. Here’s how:
- Remove the lid and let the paint dry in a well-ventilated area.
- Apply excess paint onto newspaper or cardboard using a brush or roller.
- Once the paint has dried, dispose of the paper or cardboard in the trash.
- Speed up drying by mixing 1 part paint with 1 part absorbent—for example, shredded paper, cat litter or sand.
- Dispose of the solidified paint or the container used for drying in the appropriate waste receptacle.
Option 2: Donating or Selling Unused Paint
If the paint is still usable, recycle it through donation or resale. You can also choose to donate unused paint to organizations such as schools, nursery centres, drama clubs, community theaters or any non-profit organisation (NGO) that could use it for their causes.
Additionally, unused paint can also be donated to organisations that distribute it to those community groups in social need.
Oil-based paint is non-recyclable; deliver leftover cans to a licensed hazardous-waste facility. Water-based paint on the other hand can be reused and is the most commonly accepted product at hazardous waste outlets because it isn’t considered toxic.
Option 3: Engage A Licensed Toxic Waste Collector
Toxic industrial paint waste must be processed in an on-site treatment plant or at an NEA-approved landfill facility. Additionally, you can also contact a licensed toxic waste collector to collect your waste for treatment or disposal.
The collector would take the toxic industrial waste and transport it before treating, storing, reprocessing or storing it in a sustainable way.
Option 4: Request Professional Painters to Dispose for You
Professional painters do disposal as a part of their trade. Much like collectors, they’ll know how to dispose of your unused paint the right way. Moreover, they could also use it for their future painting projects.
Do note that most professional painters will only dispose of unused paint for their clients when the clients engaged their core services.
PaintingGuy is not able to help. If you have used our painting services, we are able to help safely and sufficiently dispose of paint for our clients.
To Sum It Up
Singapore residents should be aware of the environmental precautions to take when disposing of their paint. In Singapore’s 31 – 33ºC during the day climate, most interior paints dry solid in 48 – 72 h; burning leftover paint releases toxic fumes and is prohibited.
Avoid direct heat from the sun as it might cause fire hazards. Otherwise, recycling, reusing, and donating is the way to go!
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