Ecologically, is it better to throw away a roller full of paint, or ...?

Question

Ecologically, is it better to throw away a roller full of paint, or waste water washing it and putting the paint down the drain. I am using VOC-free paint, of course, but don't know if that makes a difference during clean-up. Thanks

Answer 1

I have looked into this.  If you are washing the roller so you can reuse it later,  it only works if you are using it for the same color or for primer.  You never get all the color out of it so it doesn't work for another color.  VOC free paint doesn't release any harmful fumes into the atmosphere as it dries.  I can't say that it doesn't pollute the water and it isn't anything that should be in a sewage or septic system.  The best way to dispose of a used roller cover is to let it dry and toss it in the trash.

Answer 2

throw out

Answer 3

Wow, what a great question.  I guess it depends on what you care about more. If you throw the roller away it goes in the landfill and takes up space there, or if you wash the roller you are putting the paint into the water system although much safer paint, but there is the chance the water treatment plant is not able to totally treat the water with the paint in it and therefore the water just goes back into the river or lake,  without it being removed.  For me personally I am for the reduction of anything going down the drain that isn't meant to, so I would say let the paint dry on the roller and then throw it away.