Lead paint disposal: old cans, chips and dust

When was lead paint banned?

The federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for use in homes and child care facilities in 1978. The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ban covers paint made after February 27, 1978. It also bans toys, children’s items and furniture that have lead-containing paint on them.

The ban first set a limit of 0.06% lead in the dried paint. Congress lowered that to 0.009%, starting August 14, 2009. Paints for cars and boats are not covered by this ban.

So a house built before 1978 may have lead paint on its walls, trim, windows or porch. A can of paint bought before 1978 may contain lead too. The EPA’s estimates show how much older homes are affected:

Why lead paint is a problem

The EPA says lead paint in good shape is usually not a problem. The danger starts when it peels, chips or turns to dust. That happens with age, and with sanding, scraping and demolition.

The CDC says there is no safe level of lead in the blood. Children under 6 are most at risk because they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Lead can cause learning and behavior problems, and the CDC says the effects can be permanent.

In 2024, the EPA tightened its standards for lead in household dust. Its dust hazard standard is now any reportable level of lead found by a recognized lab. After lead removal work, floors must test below 5 micrograms per square foot and window sills below 40.

How to get rid of old paint cans that may contain lead

You can’t tell by looking whether paint in a can has lead. EPA-recognized test kits are made for painted surfaces, not liquid paint in a can. If the can is from before 1978, or you don’t know its age, treat it as if it could contain lead.

1. Leave the lid on. Don’t stir, scrape or sand dried paint on the rim or lid.
2. Don’t dry the paint out for the trash. Old, flaking paint makes chips and dust.
3. If the label is readable and you live in a PaintCare state, call a PaintCare site. PaintCare’s product list doesn’t mention age or lead, so ask before you go.
4. Otherwise, take it to your county or city household hazardous waste program. Tell them the paint is old and may contain lead.
5. If a can is rusted through or leaking, set it upright in a lidded bucket or tub for the trip.
6. Wash your hands after handling old cans, especially before eating.

Paint chips, dust and debris from your own home

If you scrape, sand or tear out painted materials in a pre-1978 home, assume the waste contains lead unless a test says otherwise. The EPA says most waste from home renovation is solid, non-hazardous waste that should go to a licensed solid waste landfill. It also says to always check local and state rules before you throw it out.

How you collect the waste matters as much as where it goes. The EPA’s advice for do-it-yourselfers:

1. Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and close doors. Keep kids and pets out.
2. Consider a disposable N-100 respirator and wear coveralls.
3. Mist surfaces with water before scraping, so less dust flies.
4. Collect chips, dust and old plastic sheeting in heavy plastic bags or sheeting.
5. Seal everything tightly with duct tape.
6. Clean up with a HEPA vacuum and wet mopping, not dry sweeping.
7. Check your local rules, then put the sealed bags out as your trash hauler or landfill says.

The EPA RRP rule in plain words

RRP stands for Renovation, Repair and Painting. It is the federal rule for paid work that disturbs paint in older homes.

• Who it covers: anyone paid to disturb paint in homes, child care centers and preschools built before 1978. That includes painters, carpenters, plumbers and electricians.
• What they need: a certified firm, and workers trained in lead-safe practices by a certified renovator.
• Small jobs: work that disturbs 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside, is exempt. Window replacement and demolition are always covered.
• Paperwork: before work starts, the contractor must give you EPA’s Renovate Right pamphlet.
• Testing: unless there is proof the paint is not lead-based, the rule applies.
• Homeowners: the rule doesn’t cover you working on your own home, unless you rent part of it out, run a child care business there, or buy and renovate homes to sell.

RRP is not the same as lead abatement

Abatement means work meant to permanently get rid of lead paint hazards. The EPA treats it as a separate program, with different training and certification from RRP. If you want lead removed rather than just worked around, look for a certified abatement firm. The EPA has a locator for lead professionals.

How to test for lead paint

You have three main options. Each tests painted surfaces, not paint in a can.

Contractors and landlords

Paid work in pre-1978 housing falls under the RRP rule, and your state may have its own lead rules too. Under federal rules, lead paint waste from renovation and abatement in homes, including contractor jobs, may go to certain construction and demolition landfills, but some states are stricter. If you’re a contractor or property manager, check with your state’s lead and waste programs and see our contractor guide.