Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Regulated Materials

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Management of Paint Wastes

This guidance document is prepared by MnDOT personnel and is intended only for use on MnDOT projects, including partnership projects, and MnDOT Maintenance Operations.

MnDOT has prepared this guidance document to provide its internal procedures and requirements for work performed on MnDOT rights of way, including MnDOT-owned facilities.

This document should not be construed as a full description of all regulations pertaining to the subject matter. Contact the Regulated Materials Unit in the MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship for additional information or legal requirements.

Background

Following is guidance on proper management of waste oil-based paint, latex paint, epoxy paint and related wastes generated during painting operations.

General Guidance

The following information must be followed to properly manage waste paint and paint related wastes in accordance with applicable regulations:

  • Must be generated from MnDOT maintenance activities.
  • Waste materials will not be accepted from home, public, or private parties.

Waste Oil-Based Paint and Latex Paint

  • Waste oil-based paint and latex paint can be recycled for free through the PaintCare system. For more information see mndot.gov/environment/regulatedmaterials/wastemgmt.html. Scroll down to MnDOT Approved List of Waste Contractors.
  • Palletize and shrink-wrap containers of non-useable paint. Make arrangements with the PaintCare system to recycle the waste.
  • Transportation - MnDOT personnel can transport waste paint with MnDOT vehicles.
  • Manage as regulated waste but do not need to treat as hazardous Waste.

Waste Epoxy Paint

Disposable Paint Brushes (Recommended)

  • Disposable brushes can be thrown in the trash after use.

Reusable Brushes Using Oil-Based Paint or Epoxy Paint (Costly Option)

  • Clean reusable paint brushes by soaking in paint thinner. Thinner used for cleaning brushes must not be allowed to evaporate. Cleaning container must remain covered to prevent evaporation.
  • Once the thinner is determined to be a waste, it must be managed as a hazardous waste, place waste thinner in an empty, clean drum or other suitable storage container. Contact District Safety Administrator or OES for assistance in selecting appropriate container.
  • Immediately place a hazardous waste label on the side of the drum or other storage container with a clear description of the waste, e.g. “WASTE PAINT THINNER”. Cover or remove all old drum labels.
  • Keep lids and bungs closed and secured at all times, except when waste is being added.
  • When drum is full, mark the fill date on the hazardous waste label and notify the District Safety. Move the storage container to a designated hazardous waste storage area within three days.
  • Manage as a hazardous waste.

Waste Reusable Latex Paint Brushes

  • Clean reusable paint brushes with water and/or soap in a sink. Rinse water from latex paint cleaning can be allowed to enter sanitary sewer through drain. Paint rinse water cannot be allowed to enter storm sewer.

Spray Gun Cleaning Using Solvents

  • Thinner used for cleaning the spray guns must not be allowed to evaporate. Keep cleaning container covered to prevent evaporation.
  • Once the thinner is determined to be a waste, it must be managed as a hazardous waste, place waste thinner in an empty, clean drum or other suitable storage container. Proper storage container (PDF)
  • Immediately place a hazardous waste label on the side of the storage container with a clear description of the waste, e.g. “WASTE PAINT THINNER”. Cover or remove all old drum labels.
  • Keep lids and bungs closed and secured at all times, except when waste is being added.
  • When the storage container is full, mark the fill date on the hazardous waste label and notify district Safety. Move the storage container to a designated hazardous waste storage area within three days.
  • Manage as a hazardous waste.

Spray Gun Cleaning Using Water

  • Clean spray guns with water in a sink. Paint rinse water from cleaning spray guns may be allowed into sanitary sewer through drain, but written permission from the municipal wastewater treatment facility must be obtained before doing so. Paint rinse water cannot be allowed to enter storm sewer.

Recordkeeping

See above if hazardous waste or not and follow requirements outlined at: mndot.gov/environment/regulatedmaterials/pdf/section-6.pdf

For Dried Paint from Hand Scraping, Power Tools, or Abrasive Blasting MnDOT guidance is outlined at: mndot.gov/environment/regulatedmaterials/mndot.html.