Reading Residents Advised To Stop Putting Oil-Based Paint In Trash

READING, MA — Reading officials are reminding residents to stop disposing of oil-based paint in their trash bins and instead get rid of these items at a town-sponsored Hazardous Materials Collection Day.

According to town officials, there have been at least two recent incidents where oil-based paint spilled from garbage trucks and onto the road.

"Over the last week, at least twice, some folks have put paint cans into the trash. That's a no-no," Reading officials wrote on Facebook. "See, what happens is the paint can inevitably become separated from the lid (if there even is one), and then inverts in the truck, and then paint leaks out of the truck and onto the street. The other day, a newly paved street received some unintended paint treatment."

The statement continued: "We have no way to remove that paint. In one case, the street sweeper caught it and reduced some of the mess, but not all."

According to officials, oil-based paint can be disposed of at one of two annual Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day events the town holds each year.

The next disposal event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 3, at the Reading Department of Public Works (DPW) Garage, located at 75 Newcrossing Rd.

Though oil-based paint will be collected at the event, latex paint, commercial waste, TVs and CRTs will not be collected at Hazardous Materials Collection Day, officials said.

According to the DPW website, latex paint can be disposed of in a curbside trash bin if it has been dried out.

For small amounts of latex paint, residents are asked to leave the lid off the paint until it is dry.

For larger amounts, residents are advised to mix the paint with kitty litter or an additive that can be purchased at a local hardware store.