Repurposed Oil-Based Paints

Many years ago BNSF Railway built a storage shed to hold various paint supplies. Since they no longer paint locomotives themselves, management decided to dismantle the shed and dispose of all the contents. Included were almost 2,500 pounds of oil-based paints. Some containers were opened, which classified them as hazardous waste but others were brand new and could be re-purposed.

BNSF shipped 2,100 pounds to the local hazardous waste disposal facility and reached out to KC-BPS to help find other uses for the remaining paint. Fortunately, KC-BPS member Extreme Recycling rose to the challenge and took 10 gallons of the red and yellow paint to use in their warehouse. They painted hand rails and highly-visible markings on their warehouse floor to indicate fork lift traffic right-of-ways.

BNSF donated the remaining paint to Habitat for Humanity, Vetrans of Foreign War Association and to a school in western Kansas. “I felt proud that so many local partners helped us re-purpose this good, un-used product.”- Greg Meitler. 

Synergy Metrics

140 gallons of oil-based paint re-purposed

Cost Savings to Extreme Recycling: $100-$250

Synergy Partners

BNSF Railway, Extreme Recycling, Habitat for Humanity, and Vetrans of Foreign War