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How do you dispose of the used thinner after painting?
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Message
Posted
No that’s not acceptable, and possibly illegal to dispose of any thinners down the sink/drain /toilet etc.
Pouring it out onto waste land can also be an environmental hazard and could potentially find its way into the water course!
Store it in a larger container and take it to the hazardous waste section of your local refuse disposal tip!
Just to add… leave it to settle in a jar and the sediment will eventually settle to the bottom. Pour the clean liquid off and reuse it, this is what I do.
Any residue that’s left in the bottom of the jar will evaporate and go hard in a day or two, then you can dispose of this into your general waste/rubbish.
Edited
by Alan Bickley
Posted
No that’s not acceptable, and possibly illegal to dispose of any thinners down the sink/drain /toilet etc. Alan Bickley on 24/12/2021 08:27:28Especially so the 'storm drains' along road sides and the downpipes from gutters. They are for clean rain water only as they often run off directly into water courses/rivers. Beware the builder who plumbs your new bathroom/kitchen extension into the storm water system!!! Sage advice from Alan.
Posted
No that’s not acceptable, and possibly illegal to dispose of any thinners down the sink/drain /toilet etc. Pouring it out onto waste land can also be an environmental hazard and could potentially find its way into the water course! Store it in a larger container and take it to the hazardous waste section of your local refuse disposal tip! Just to add… leave it to settle in a jar and the sediment will eventually settle to the bottom. Pour the clean liquid off and reuse it, this is what I do. Any residue that’s left in the bottom of the jar will evaporate and go hard in a day or two, then you can dispose of this into your general waste/rubbish.
Posted
I don't use solvents any more. When I did, I had a tin for the solvent, with another tin with pierced lid within, where the residue would collect; evaporation tended to deal with much of it.
Now and then - and it didn't need any frequent attention - I'd collect the sludge, dry in out for a few days on absorbent towels until it was dried out and hard, wrap it in metal foil, and dispose of it in the toxic rubbish. At most, I had to do this twice a year - it isn't strictly necessary to do it at all, you can just keep adding clean solvent to your can: the dirty stuff sinks to the bottom and hardens, the clean turps or whatever can be added on top; much of it will evaporate. The sediment takes a very long time to fill the lower tin - i.e. years. If in doubt after that point - ask your local council.
Posted
I have to say that I find your post a little offensive Shazia, Its good that you are able to do all the thing you do to prevent any of your material causing contamination. However us mere humans don’t have the skills , and time to do all that you seem to be doing . We take it to a responsible authority for them to dispose of , if this doesn’t meet your standards then that is quite frankly tough . It’s good that you feel strongly and do what you are very able to do , but please don’t preach to people as if you’re on some sort of evangelical mission. Others have answered you and have been polite to do so , you seem to be having a dig or a tantrum about their reply, please accept that people don’t do as well as you do and get on with some painting . If this offends you then I feel a little sorry, but it the same as you going on and on , you have said your bit now please let’s change the record. I am usually a very placid person , but you have succeeded in irritating me and I would think several others . Please don’t bother replying to me as my answer would breach the rules on politeness.