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Kalamazoo County Government Human Services Department
The Human Services Department programs are open to all without regard
to race, color, national origin, sex or disability

IS IT OIL-BASED OR LATEX
To help figure out what kind of paint you have,
it helps to read the label on the front and back of each paint can.

Oil Based Paint

• Key words: Alkyd or Oil-Based
• On front of label, look for the words "Caution Combustible"
• on side of label, look at ingredients box: look for key words such as mineral spirits, soya oil, aliphatic hydrocarbons or petroleum distillates.
• This category also includes some stains and most varnishes and polyurethanes.

Latex Paint

• Key word: Latex or Acrylic Latex
• On back of label, look for Cleanup Instructions: should say "Cleans up with soap and water".
• On side of label, look at Ingredients or Contents Box: look for key word: water.
• This category also includes some varnish and polyurethanes.

Handling Latex

Completely dried out paint can be safely discarded in your garbage.
To dry out latex paint, try one of these methods:

1. ADD CAT LITTER TO THE PAINT
   Remove lid and stir in plenty of cat litter. Make sure the cat litter is stirred in all the way to the bottom of the can. Let dry overnight. In the morning, the paint will have dried into a hard, clumpy rock. It is now safe to place in trash. Remember to leave lid off.
   
   
2. DRY IT OUT
   For cans less than 1/4 full, Place in a safe outdoor location, remove lid and allow to air dry Discard when dry.
   
   For cans more than 1/4 full, line a large cardboard box with black plastic. In a safe outdoor location, pour 1/2 inch of paint on top of plastic. Let dry. Repeat by pouring out more paint in 1/2 inch layers until all paint is dry. Roll up plastic and place in trash.
4. Hazardous Household Waste Center - A Free Service
   1301 Lamont Avenue - Kalamazoo, MI 49048
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