In compliance with standards set by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Rutherford County will host an oil-based paint collection on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The event will be held at the Recycling Center at 1140 Haley Road, Murfreesboro, 37130.

Latex paint, also called acrylic paint, will not be collected at this event, nor is it collected at hazardous waste events since it is not actually a hazardous material. Instead it is a nuisance waste that should be dried at home before disposing of in the regular trash. For more information on proper drying methods please refer to the county website at www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/environmental. Click on the "Education" link.

Refer to the label to determine if paint is either latex or oil-based. The clean up process for latex paint is just soap and water. The label for oil-based paint, also referred to as alkyd, requires substances such as mineral spirits to clean brushes and rollers. Oil-based paint is considered minimally hazardous and must be disposed of properly.

Need additional information?

This is the only opportunity in the immediate future to properly dispose of oil-based paint. For more information please call either 615 898-7739 or 615 542-4633. You may also e-mail questions to mkeisling@rutherfordcountytn.gov. Please check the county website at www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/environmental.