The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes paint and coating waste as hazardous if oil-based, or non-hazardous if latex-based. Some states and local governments are even more restrictive on categorizing waste paint no matter its composition. It is proven that paint can have a significant impact on the viability of the environment, especially that of aquatic habitats. In recent studies, chemicals within paint, such as tributyltin (TBT), were highlighted as being toxic to and endangering marine life — a fact that was corroborated by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). The study also applauded changes in regulations as a result of research that tracked the effects of TBT on oysters, tuna and other marine life. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have also been shown to impose negative impacts on the ozone layer. The effects of sustained exposure to the chemicals can result in irrevocable harm to an ecosystem, as well as the health of the human population exposed to or consuming the contaminated water or fish.
Additionally, latex paint that is approved to be landfilled can result in inadvertent seepage into the sewer systems. Wastewater treatment is not designed to purge paint chemicals effectively from the water, especially if the spill is concentrated. The inability to manage containment, as well as the significant risks for contamination of water sources, is another reason paint waste needs to be disposed of properly, avoiding landfills. Because of this, paint manufacturers have a unique responsibility to produce paint that doesn't harm our environment, as well as ensuring it is disposed of properly.