Powder coating has become the "green" alternative to water or oil based painting of specific objects, usually made of metal or ceramics, that are heat resistant. In the simplest of terms, powdered plastic resin is applied to an object by an electrostatic gun, and then baked-on in a high temperature oven. Powder coating does not release a VOC or volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere from paint solvents. In most cases, the residue waste powder is not considered a toxic waste, and if collected correctly, 98% of the waste powder from a painting application can be reused.

  • Powder coating has become the "green" alternative to water or oil based painting of specific objects, usually made of metal or ceramics, that are heat resistant.

Read the label to determine what type of ingredients are in the powder coating that you are using. Some powder coating ingredients are considered toxic such as arsenic, barium, cadmium and mercury, among others.

Sweep the waste powder coating into a container that can be sealed. An old coffee can with a lid works well, or any screw-on plastic container. Label the container "powder coating" with a permanent marker.

Call your local waste disposal service. Give them the ingredients that are found in your type of powder coating. If there is nothing hazardous, the waste powder coating can be disposed of in the regular trash. If your waste powder coating is deemed hazardous, either make arrangements with your disposal service to pick up the waste separately, or deliver it to them in the sealed container yourself. As an alternative if your local waste disposal service does not deal with hazardous waste, punch Earth911.com into any search engine. Hit the drop-down tab that says Recycling 101, go to the "Hazardous Waste" link in that tab which will direct you to information on "How to Properly Dispose of Hazardous Products." Not only will they give specific directions on what to do, with a possibility to donate unused powder coating to others who will use it, but there will also be a link on where to find hazardous waste disposal near you.

  • Call your local waste disposal service.
  • If your waste powder coating is deemed hazardous, either make arrangements with your disposal service to pick up the waste separately, or deliver it to them in the sealed container yourself.