Disposal Of Leaded Paint

Last updated: (February 2005)

Introduction

This Reference Note provides guidance on the disposal of leaded paint from industrial or commercial premises. It is not directly relevant to leaded paint at home, as this is not covered by the same legislation.

Information

What is leaded paint and where was it used?

Paints containing lead were principally used in two areas:

In wood primers and topcoats:

• White lead, or lead carbonate, was the main pigment used in white primers and topcoats for wooden surfaces, inside and outside, until the early 1960s.
• In addition to the use of lead-based pigments in white paints, some red, yellow, orange or green gloss and wall paints contained lead.
• The use of decorative lead paints was phased out progressively from the 1950s. The British Coatings Federation advises that "if the house or building in question has been constructed since the 1970s or the older painted surfaces in an older home or building have been removed and repainted within this period, it is extremely unlikely that lead-containing paints will be present."

In corrosion resistant paints:

• Red lead, or trilead tetroxide, was widely used in corrosion-resistant primers for exposed iron and steel. These uses have now largely been phased out as alternatives have been introduced onto the market.

Why the concern?

Lead is a hazardous substance and can cause poisoning by inhalation of lead fumes or by ingestion. It particularly affects the nervous system, blood forming tissues and the intestines.

Relevant legislation

All waste paints or demolition or construction wastes which arise on your site are classified as controlled waste. You therefore need to ensure that the waste is stored and disposed of carefully. In addition, lead paints may also be classified as more hazardous, Special Waste, see Reference Note 164 Special Waste Regulations.

Interpretation of the legislation

The concentration of lead in paints ranged from very low to 40%. There was a wide range of lead compounds used in paints but the most common, white lead, is classified as Special Waste if the proportion of lead in the waste exceeds 25%. There are, therefore, three scenarios to consider:

• If you have a can of old waste paint which contains lead, then it is most likely that this will be classified as Special Waste.
• If you have some lead paint shavings, then it is possible that these might contain lead. Most likely, however, the layer of lead paint will include a series of other, non-paint layers. These other paint layers will take the percentage below 25% and so the waste would not be classified as Special.
• If the lead paint is on waste woodwork it is almost certain that the weight of the wood will reduce the percentage of lead to well below 25%. The waste would not therefore be classified as Special.

How do I handle waste leaded paint?

• Check to see if the paint contains lead. The best way of doing this is to send a sample of the paint to a laboratory for analysis. However, simple paint tests can be purchased from hardware stores for about ?5.00. They are not totally reliable but will provide an indication.
• When you are removing lead paint ensure that you take appropriate Health & Safety precautions. More guidance on this can be obtained from the British Coatings Federation’s free publication, Old Lead Painted Surfaces – a Guide on Repainting and Removal.
• Store waste paint securely and ensure that you clean up well after the job. You have a legal requirement to ensure that waste materials are stored securely prior to disposal and this is most important for hazardous materials, such as lead paint.
• Dispose of waste paint in a safe and legal manner. Waste demolition and construction waste should only be transported by licensed carriers and should only be disposed of legally. If you think the waste might be Special, you should ensure that the waste carrier is made aware of this, and that the correct forms and notifications are given well in advance of the transfer.

Legislation