Paint An average of two gallons of household paint is sold for each person in the United States each year. Latex paints are also referred to as vinyl, acrylic, or water-based. Waste latex paint is not considered to be hazardous. Solvent-based paints use organic solvents to keep paint fluid for ease of application and often contain an alkyd resin for the purpose of binding. Waste solvent-based paint is characterized as hazardous.
Cleanup instructions are also a good way to determine whether paint is solvent-based.
If the label says to use mineral spirits or turpentine to clean brushes and rollers, then the paint is typically solvent-based. If brushes or rollers can be cleaned with soap water, then the paint is latex, or water-based. Another method is to determine the paint s solubility in water. Measure the area to be painted and ask the paint salesperson how much you will need. Also, read the label directions for coverage information.