Paint

Stuff like the paint you used last time for the car, varnish, turpentine and solvents are often stored for aeons in the garage. The evaporation and inhalation of such chemicals can be harmful. Besides this, such things are fire hazards and should be kept in closed cupboards, preferably made of iron otherwise if there is open flame in the vicinity a fire can suddenly take hold.  It is best to get rid of paint if it is not likely that it will be used before its expiration date.

When disposing of such chemicals it is important to do it in the right manner and not to just throw them into the ordinary garbage container. Usually these chemicals are toxic to the environment and inhaling them can also be risky and detrimental to one’s health. Cleaning agents let loose in the environment can cause extensive damage. The chemicals do not disappear when they drain down the sewer or into the garbage container rather they eventually end up in the ocean or in the groundwater supply. The chemicals can continue to be active and oxidizing and they can damage the ecosystem for a long, long time. All garbage and recycling facilities accept such environmentally hazardous chemicals and Efna Waste Desposal & Recycling in Gufunes, Reykjavik takes care of the appropriate disposal of such chemicals.

Environmentally labelled solvents, pencil soap, paint and varnish exist but unfortunately are not as common in Iceland, as, for instance, in other parts of Scandinavia. Before importing those products we should carefully select the most environmentally friendly option. If you do not see ecological paint in the store, ask about it, so you can show that the demand for such products really exists.