Store rags in a metal fire-proof container, empty daily. Hang oily rags in a well ventilated area (outside). Another alternative is to place them in a pail of water. When dry dispose of in regular weekly garbage pick-up.

Aqueous liquids, such as acid and alkali solutions used in photography and printmaking, should be neutralized ( baking soda for acids; citric acid for alkalis) before they are slowly poured down the sink with lots of running water. Always dilute concentrated acids by pouring the acid into the water, never the reverse, to prevent the acid from splashing.

Organic solvents, such as turpentine and mineral spirits, should not be poured down the drain because they kill bacteria that break down other waste products. Some solvents can be recycled, which greatly reduces the amount to be disposed:

1) Slowly pour used or dirty solvents through fine steel mesh, or a coffee filter, inserted in a metal funnel and into a receiving can.

2) Cap and clearly label the container as to what it contains and when it was retrieved.

3) Package the dirty solvents and chemicals in the filter in a sealed container, and dispose of it through regular trash pick-up procedures.

For small quantities, such as less than a liter, let solvents evaporate. Prevent inhalation by placing evaporating solvents under a fume hood or outdoors where the material is secure from children.

For large quantities of solvents and solvent containing materials, contact your local fire department. Solvent soaked rags and papers should be put in a metal container. At the end of the day, hang them in a safe place outdoors to allow evaporation. Discard them them in a sealed, flame-proof container. Do not use plastic containers because many solvents will dissolve them.

If you are uncertain about what you can throw in the garbage, the best solution is to take materials/waste to Household Hazardous Waste.

Methods of Waste Disposal:

There are a variety of methods of disposing of waste materials, including recycling, treatment, pouring it down the drain, evaporation, ordinary landfills, and taking it to Household Hazardous Waste. Some of these options do not apply to the most hazardous waste.

Recycling: Many waste art materials can be reused or used by someone else. Left-over art materials can be donated to an art center or secondary school. Hazardous materials should never be donated to an elementary school, and highly toxic materials like lead glazes should not be recycled. (see above on turpentine recycling)

Sewage System: Concentrations of copper and zinc ions, although not classified as hazardous waste, are controlled by sewer codes. Solvents should never be poured down the sink.

Landfill: Non hazardous solid waste materials can be placed in the regular trash for carting to a normal landfill. Some toxic materials can also be placed in the trash, including clay, metals, and paint residues. Glazed pottery can also be placed in the trash if it does not leach toxic metals.

Hazardous Waste Disposal:

Many communities now have household hazardous waste collection programs. See your county or city phone listings for a local collection site.

In Pima County, call: Pima County Household Hazardous Waste, (520) 888-6947

Recommendations for Disposal of Art Materials:

Aerosol Spray Cans

Make sure they are completely empty by spraying, and if they are aluminum, place in recycle bin. Otherwise, place in garbage.

Clay, minerals

Recycle or place in garbage Glaze Chemicals

Recycle or use hazardous waste collection

Liquid Glazes

Recycle if possible. If the glazes contain toxic, leachable metals, use hazardous waste collection; otherwise place in . garbage.

Dyes, Powders

Recycle or place in garbage

Glues and Cements

Water based - Allow to dry, and place in garbage

Solvent based - Allow to evaporate in safe place then place in garbage.

Metals and Compounds

Metals, alloys - Recycle or place in garbage

Compounds - Recycle or use hazardous waste collection . for toxic materials; garbage for others.

Paints, Varnishes, Stains

Water based Recycle or allow to dry, then place in garbage; for toxic pigments, use hazardous . waste collection.

Solvent based

Recycle.

Less than one pint; allow to evaporate in safe place, then place in garbage; for toxic pigments, use hazardous waste collection. More than 1 pint; hazardous waste collection.

Pesticides

Hazardous waste collection. Containers, once completely empty, should be triple- rinsed and placed in garbage; rinse water can be used as pesticide.

Photochemical

Concentrates - Recycle or use hazardous waste collection

Plastics resins - Recycle or use hazardous waste collection for large amounts. Smaller amounts can be reacted to form solid plastic.

Solvents

Liquid only - Less than 1 pint; evaporate in safe place. More than 1 pint; recycle or use hazardous waste collection. Chlorinated solvents (or mixtures containing them) should be collected separately from other solvents.

Solid containing - Let settle, filter and recycle.