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Connecticut Launches Drop-Off Paint Recycling Program

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. - Two years after the legislation passed to start a paint recycling program, the state is working with PaintCare to recycle used and leftover paint across Connecticut. 

Containers of paint like this may now be recycled in Connecticut.

Containers of paint like this may now be recycled in Connecticut.

Photo Credit: Alissa Smith

This makes Connecticut the third state in the country to have a paint recycling program through PaintCare. The Washington, D.C.-based paint industry organization runs similar programs in Oregon and California. In 2014, it will launch programs in Rhode Island, Vermont and Minnesota.

“With programs like PaintCare Connecticut, we are moving the state toward a safer and more efficient 21st-century method of handling recyclables and waste disposal,” said Gov. Dannel Malloy in a statement. “Paint recycling now joins our electronic waste and mattress recycling programs as another example of a common sense, money saving solution. We are taking the lead on transforming and modernizing our recycling system while gaining greater value from waste materials, reducing waste through improved materials management, protecting our environment and lowering costs for municipalities, businesses and consumers.”

The new law mandates that paint manufacturers create and fund an easy-to-use, cost-effective and environmentally responsible program to manage post-consumer paint. The programs are funded by a minimal “recovery fee” added to the purchase price of paint at retailers throughout participating states. These fees are based on the size of paint container, and are as follows:

  • Half-pint or less: free
  • More than half-pint to 1 gallon: 35 cents
  • 1 gallon: 75 cents
  • More than 1 Gallon to 5 Gallons: $1.60

“We estimate that a staggering 5 million containers with more than 1 million gallons of paint are stored in garages and basements across Connecticut. This recycling program means that this leftover paint will be turned into useful new products instead of eventually going into the waste stream. This helps lower the cost and reduce the environmental impact of trash disposal,” Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Daniel Esty said.

There will be several "Paint-Only Drop-Off" stations in Connecticut over the summer that will be available to all state residents between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.:

  • Hamden Middle School, July 13
  • Fairfield Ward High School, July 20 
  • East Lyme Highway Department, July 27
  • Torrington Recycling Center, Aug. 3 
  • Danbury Public Works, Aug. 3
  • Norwich Public Works, Aug. 10 
  • New Britain Recycling Center, Aug. 17

The locations will not accept: leaking, unlabeled or empty containers, aerosol spray paints, drums or containers larger than 5 gallons, paint thinner, solvents, motor oil, spackle, glue, adhesive, roofing tar, pesticides or cleaning chemicals.

They will accept: house paint and primers (latex or oil based), stains, deck and concrete sealers, and clear finishes (e.g., varnishes, shellac).

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