FAQs • Cumberland County • CivicEngage

How can I distinguish latex paint from solvent-based paint?: There are several possible ways to distinguish latex paint from solvent-based paint. If possible, read the label. Solvent-based paint labels usually contain the words "alkyl" or "oil-based". Clean-up instructions on the label can also indicate whether a paint product is solvent-based or water-based. Typically solvent-based paints require mineral spirits or turpentine for cleaning. If cleaning can be done with soap and water, the paint is water-based. If the label is missing or unreadable, determine the paint's solubility in water. A small amount of paint in a jar mixed with water will show whether it is latex or solvent-based. Latex paint readily mixes with water. Solvent-based paint is insoluble in water - the paint and water will separate like vinegar and oil.

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Recycling & Waste Authority

1. Why is it so difficult to recycle a TV?: PA passed an Extended Producer Responsibility electronics recycling law in 2010 which, quite frankly, has failed to provide the robust manufacturer supported electronics recycling opportunities many thought it would. Primarily in response to the lack of manufacturer supported TV recycling opportunities, Cumberland County opened a fee-based electronics recycling center in July 2017. For details, please visit our
Electronics Recycling Center Page.

2. Where can I recycle computer equipment?: Computer equipment is accepted for recycling at the Cumberland County Electronics Recycling Center at a fee of $0.50 per pound. For a list of other places that might accept computer equipment for recycling, please visit our
Computers and Electronics Recycling Table.

3. Where can I dispose of trash?: Per Cumberland County's Municipal Waste Management Plan, waste generated in Cumberland County must be disposed of at facilities identified in the plan. For waste disposal facilities that can accept Cumberland County generated waste, please visit our
Regional Disposal Facilities Table.

4. Where can I get rid of unwanted household products such as pesticides and fertilizers, gasoline, turpentine and oil-based paints?: For detailed information on disposal options for these types of products, please visit our
Household Hazardous Waste web page.

5. What can I do with old latex paint?: Unwanted latex or water-based paint can be disposed of in your normal trash if prepared properly. For more information on managing latex paint, see
Tips for Managing Leftover Latex Paint.

6. How can I distinguish latex paint from solvent-based paint?: There are several possible ways to distinguish latex paint from solvent-based paint. If possible, read the label. Solvent-based paint labels usually contain the words "alkyl" or "oil-based". Clean-up instructions on the label can also indicate whether a paint product is solvent-based or water-based. Typically solvent-based paints require mineral spirits or turpentine for cleaning. If cleaning can be done with soap and water, the paint is water-based. If the label is missing or unreadable, determine the paint's solubility in water. A small amount of paint in a jar mixed with water will show whether it is latex or solvent-based. Latex paint readily mixes with water. Solvent-based paint is insoluble in water - the paint and water will separate like vinegar and oil.

7. What is composting and how do I get started?: Composting is a natural process where organic materials, such as leaves, grass, and vegetable scraps, are broken down by microorganisms, forming a rich soil-like substance called compost or humus. For more details and information about composting, please visit DEP's composting web site.

8. What can I put in my recycling bin?: Please contact your hauler for acceptable recyclables. Your hauler may be identified using our
Residential Recycling & Disposal Map.

9. What can I do with used motor oil and other automotive products such as antifreeze, batteries and old tires?: For a list of places that accept these items, please visit our
Automobile Fluids and Components Recycling Table.

10. Where can I get rid of old, unwanted, large appliances?: Many appliance retailers will take away an old appliance when delivering a new one, so be sure to ask about this service when purchasing a new, replacement appliance. If the appliance is not being replaced and you just want to get rid of it, you may be able to set the appliance out with your weekly trash (in areas that have weekly trash service) as part of a weekly bulky item collection program. Call your municipality or waste hauler to see if this service is offered where you live. If not offered where you live, a scrap metal recycler may take the appliance.

11. Where can I recycle my old telephone books?: If you have curbside recycling where you live, you can simply put your old telephone books in your curbside recycling container. Phone books are also accepted for recycling at the
following drop-off recycling sites.

12. If I live in a community that does not offer a municipal trash and recycling program for residents, who can I contact for these services?: For a list of residential service providers, please visit our
Residential Service Providers List.

13. Where can I take yard waste for recycling?: For a list of municipalities that have yard waste recycling sites for their residents, please visit our
municipal yard waste sites table.

14. What if the municipality I live in does not have a yard waste recycling site?: For a list or privately run sites, please visit our wood/pallets recycling table.