Got Paint?​

Dumping leftover paint into storm drains is illegal, instead, here are some ways to dispose of paints properly:

Drying LATEX Paint for Disposal in Household Garbage

Paints labeled as “latex paint” are not hazardous and can be thrown away with your regular household garbage IF it is completely dry – to the bottom of the can. If not completely dry, it can leak from a garbage truck and ruin vehicles and/or private property. Be sure your paint is COMPLETELY dry before including in your regular garbage.

How to dry latex paint

• Removing the lid from the can and placing in a dry place will allow the paint to eventually dry out.

• After a few days, only the surface of the paint will be firm and dry to the touch - if you press harder you will notice the bottom is still liquid or gloppy paint.

• If you feel comfortable holding the can of paint upside down, then it is dry enough to throw away in your garbage

To expedite the latex paint drying process

• A thin layer of paint will dry much faster. Pour paint into a secure container with a larger surface area than the paint can.

• Place container of paint outside on a sunny day to help speed up the drying process.

• Adding on absorbent such as kitty litter, wood chips, saw dust, mulch, etc. is another way to quickly dry the paint.

How to Dispose of Empty Paint Cans

• When the paint is dry, double bag the container and any absorbing material and throw it out with the regular garbage.

• Only latex paint will dry. Oil and lead-based paint and stain have to be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Management Facility located at 1033 Elm Street.

• If you take dried paint cans to a Knox County Convenience Center make sure you bring the paint cans without the lids and allow the operator to inspect them. Then you can place them in the bulky brown compactor.

•  Support your local storm or surface water program. Programs to maintain a community's stormwater system, prevent flooding and protect natural resources may cost money in the short run but save money for damages to public and private property in the long term. Take advantage of opportunities to educate yourself and your family about your local watershed. Consider volunteering for stream restoration or other local volunteer projects.

• If you are on a septic system, maintain the system. Septic systems require regular inspections, maintenance and pumping, or they will fail, cost a lot of money to fix and could pollute nearby lakes and streams. Have a professional inspector check your system regularly and have it pumped out when needed.

Additional Information:  https://www.knoxcounty.org/solid_waste/paint_disposal.php​

For more information in your local area scroll below to find your participating government agency.

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WHAT IS LITTER?

Litter is defined by Tennessee law as perishable animal and vegetable waste, garbage, perishable and nonperishable solid waste and tobacco products.

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TENNESSEE LITTER LAWS

Section 39-14-503. (a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume. 

• criminal littering is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00)

Section 39-14-504. (a) Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 Ibs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume.

• littering is a Class B misdemeanor, up to a $500 fine

• In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this part to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than eighty (80) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours.

Section 39-14-505. (a) Aggravated criminal littering is littering:

• In an amount exceeding ten pounds (10 lbs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume; or

• In any amount for any commercial purpose

•  Aggravated criminal littering is a Class A misdemeanor, except in the following circumstances, in which case it is a Class E felony, up to a $1,500 fine.

 

Tennessee Toll-Free Litter Hotline
1-877-8-LITTER PROVIDES MOTORISTS A WAY TO REPORT LITTER BUGS

Tennesseans who are tired of trash along state roadways now have a new tool to report litter bugs. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced today a new toll-free litter hotline, 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). The litter hotline is part of the statewide anti-litter campaign. The hotline provides a way for Tennesseans to report people they witness littering along the state’s roadways, such as a person throwing a paper cup or cigarette butt out of a window, or an item falling from an unsecured load.

“The new toll-free litter hotline gives citizens the ability to Stop It,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Now anyone who witnesses a person littering can report it and trigger action to improve the quality of the environment and the cleanliness of our roadways. Tennessee has some of the best roads in the nation. With everyone’s help, we can have some of the cleanest, too.”

Citizens who witness a litter bug in action can call 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). Callers will reach a recording that asks them to provide information about the vehicle. The information that will be requested includes:

• license plate number (Tennessee plates only)

• type and make of the vehicle

• day and time the incident occurred

• location where the incident occurred

• the type of item tossed or blown from the vehicle

TDOT will mail a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle along with a car trash bag or portable ashtray and other anti-litter information. The letter is a gentle reprimand reminding the recipient that littering is against the law and punishable by a fine of up to $1500.

 

Click here for more information.

https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/the-top-roadside-litter-laws-you-should-know-in-tennessee/