Painting and decorating companies commonly use solvents, thinners, paint removers, adhesives, paints, and other architectural coatings.  These operations also require the use of rags, brushes and other equipment that requires cleaning immediately after use.

Architectural coatings, adhesives, solvents, and cleaning residues contain chemicals harmful to fish and aquatic life, and must not enter the storm drain system.

Best Management Practices
To prevent contaminants from entering the storm drain system and ultimately our creeks and rivers please observe the following practices:

• Use dykes to prevent wastewater from high pressure water stripping or cleaning of building exteriors from entering the storm drain system. 
• Where collection is impractical, it may be permissible to direct the wastewater away from storm drains to landscaped or gravel areas. However, you may be liable for any contamination or damage associated with this practice.
• Avoid cleaning brushes or applicators or rinsing paint containers into a street, gutter or storm drain.
• Collect all wash water, solutions and solvents used to clean equipment and reuse, recycle, or dispose of properly.
• For latex-based paints, paint-out the brushes to the extent possible and rinse in the sink.
• For oil-based paints, paint-out the brushes to the extent possible then clean with thinners or solvents. 
• Set used thinner or solvent aside in a closed jar to settle out paint particles then reuse clear liquid.  Collect all used solvents and thinners and prevent them from entering any storm drain, sewer, or plumbing fixture. 
• Contact a disposal company that disposes or recycles solvents or contact the Ministry of Environment. 
• Contact the Port Coquitlam Fire Department for storage and handling requirements for solvents and thinners, etc.
• Prevent leftover paint entering any storm drain, sewer. Avoid placing it in the garbage. 
• Use leftover paints on the next job, give it to a charity for their use, or contact the Paint Care Association or the BC Recycling Hotline at 604.732.9253 for the nearest paint collection depot.
• Chemical or mechanical paint stripping residue, paints, paint chips and paint dusts containing lead, mercury, tributyl tin or other hazardous or leachable compounds, may be considered “special wastes” under the Waste Management Act and may require special disposal considerations. 

Contact the Ministry of  Environment at 250.387.3205 for disposal requirements.  For other paint and dry paint disposal or recycling options, please contact the Paint Care Association at 604.482.8686