This section is intended to serve as a guide for artists in managing waste disposal of hazardous materials.
Disposing of solvents and other hazardous art materials has become a serious safety and health issue. Federal and State laws require proper disposal of hazardous waste. Many of the solvents used in art work (such as turpentine) and compounds in used in paints (such as lead, cadmium, and chromium) are listed on Massachusetts' hazardous materials list. These regulations require separation of hazards, special packaging, and transportation of hazardous waste to proper facilities.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates all non-households who generate hazardous waste (this includes graphic artists, photographers, printers, painters, etc..). If you generate less than 25 gallons of hazardous waste a month, you are considered a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG). The DEQE has specific requirements and registration procedures for VSQG.
The DEP is encouraging VSQG's with similar wastes to work together on their waste disposal needs. Artist's communities and associations could establish centralized collection centers and reduce individual costs of transporter services and waste disposal. Other suggestions include recycling and waste minimization by buying only what you need and by using alternative non-hazardous materials.
Household artists who generate extremely small quantities of hazardous waste may be able to dispose of their waste at community hazardous waste collection days/sites. You can check with your town clerk or town health official, and department of public works, to see if your community provides this service. If they don't call the League of Woman Voters about how to organize one in your community.
Hazardous waste is everyone's problem. We can't throw it in the trash, or dump it down the drain without considering the serious consequences of our actions on our health and our environment.
Mass
DEP
1 Winter Street
Boston MA 02108
(617) 292-5500
1-800-343-3420 (household hazardous products)
