The Town of Chapel Hill's stormwater management staff occasionally receives reports of paint flowing into creeks. Because latex paint labels instruct painters to "wash up with soap and water," residents and contractors are left to their own devices to figure out what to do with the soapy, paint washwater from equipment clean up.

Latex paint, unlike oil-based paint, is not classified as a hazardous material in North Carolina, but different formulations vary greatly, and proper disposal practices must be followed. Latex paint contains thickeners and chemicals, and washwater also includes detergents. If released into streams or onto the ground, the washwater can harm fish, wildlife and organisms in the food chain.

It is against federal, state and local laws for paint or washwater to enter a storm drain or flow into a creek. Orange Water and Sewer Authority prohibits paint and paint solvents from being discharged into the sanitary sewer system. So what is a homeowner or contractor to do in cleaning up from a latex paint project?

It is very important to minimize any paint from being poured down the drain or onto the ground. Dried paint can be safely thrown in the trash. Follow these tips:

1) You can reuse paint tools without water wash up if you wrap them tightly in plastic for a few days. When it is time for a final clean up, brush excess paint onto scrap material. If using a roller, push paint off the roller into the can with a putty knife. Painted paper or cardboard may NOT be recycled. Throw them into the trash.

2) Prepare two buckets or large cans -- one with soapy water, one with warm rinse water.

3) Remove most paint by swishing brushes in soapy water for at least 20 seconds.

4) Swish the brush in clear warm water. Empty first rinses into the wash bucket, refill rinse container with fresh water. Water from end rinses may be emptied down the toilet or sink leading to a sanitary sewer.

5) Run cords through holes in the handles and hang the brushes to dry.

6) Allow paint solids to settle to the bottom of the wash bucket. Carefully pour water through a filter or sieve into a drain leading to the sanitary sewer or septic tank. Do not allow the settled paint to be poured down the drain. If painters at construction sites have no sewer hookup, they should secure paint laden water in a covered container and transport it to a facility where they can dispose of "top" washwater down a sanitary sewer drain, after the paint has been settled out.

7) Dry out paint residue and dispose of it in the trash. Small amounts of paint residue dried in a metal can may be recycled with cans. Leftover or spoiled paint may be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste collection site on Eubanks Road during official hours. Call Orange County Recycling at 919-968-2788 to make appointments for disposal of paint volumes over 10 gallons.

Storm drains and yard inlets lead directly to creeks, not to a treatment plant. Only rain should go down a storm drain! Help to protect our environment by planning ahead and properly disposing of your wastes. Concerned citizens should call the Chapel Hill Stormwater Management Division at 919-969-RAIN to report pollution.

Wendy Smith is the Environmental Education Coordinator for Chapel Hill's Stormwater Management Division. Dave Almond is the Town's Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Officer. They may be reached by e-mail at stormwater@townofchapelhill.org Thanks are extended to the Orange County Recycling Program for contributions to this article.