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 Leftover paint is an overwhelming and expensive problem for local government hazardous waste programs. Just how big a problem is leftover paint? These facts "paint" a startling picture:
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In 2000, California collected 17.2 million pounds of leftover paint — California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) Form 303
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Paint represents 40-60%, by volume, of all Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collected at HHW facilities — Product Stewardship Initiative (PSI) Final Paint Technical Report, March 2004
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The average collection and management costs of leftover paint is $8.00 per gallon — PSI Final Paint Technical Report
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Only 50% of California's population has access to a permanent HHW facility where paint is collected — DTSC Form 303, 2000
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The current national generation of leftover paint is estimated to be between 17-35 million gallons of paint per year — PSI Final Paint Technical Report
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The most important thing you can do to help solve this problem is to make sure you don't buy more paint than you really need. Use this interactive calculator from the Paint Quality Institute to tell you how much paint you need to purchase. You'll save money, too!
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News & Events
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 Policy & Legislation
Local
California State
For information on current legislation affecting paint,
see 2010 State Legislation.
Elsewhere
Minnesota
Oregon
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What You Can Do To Help
Consumers
 Things to Consider When Purchasing and Using Paint
The following are excerpts from Product Stewardship Institute's guide Be Paint Wise, Buy the Right Size:
- Buy the correct amount of paint for the project
When you purchase the right amount of paint, it eliminates the need to store, recycle or dispose of paint when the project is finished.
- Store paint to keep it fresh
For best results, cover the opening of the paint can with plastic wrap, securely seal the lid, then turn the can upside down and store in a place with moderate room temperature to avoid freezing.
- Use up leftover paint
Properly stored leftover paint can be used for touch-ups or small projects.
- Reuse or recycle leftover paint
If you can't use it yourself, give leftover paint to a friend or neighbor or donate to a worthwhile local organization.
- Dispose of the paint properly
If you have no other options for leftover paint, you'll need to seek a safe disposal option. Latex paint can be dried out for disposal, but alkyd or oil-based paint cannot and must be taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility. Small amounts of latex (less than 1/2 inch) will dry quickly once the lid is removed. For larger amounts, the paint can be mixed in a box with an absorbent material such as kitty litter. When completely dry, it can then be disposed of as garbage. Metal paint cans are acceptable in many recycling programs, but check with your local program first for any restrictions.
- Ask your paint store to recycle your leftover paint
It doesn't hurt to ask! Let them know that you would appreciate a take-back program for leftover paint. Vendors want to keep their customers happy and you can help them realize that taking responsibility for the products they produce and sell is important to you.
Local Government Action
Purchase Recycled-Content Paint
Local governments can cost-effectively purchase recycled-content paint through the State of California’s contract. The Public Contract Code (PCC), Section 12203, requires State agencies to purchase recycled paint containing at least 50% post-consumer paint. Local government agencies are encouraged to purchase recycled-content paint meeting these same standards. Using the Statewide Contract for Recycled Latex Paint can help agencies fulfill this requirement.
Local government agencies must be granted permission to use the State contract by the Department of General Services. Download the Purchasing Authority Application.
Start a Paint Reuse Program
Guidance Manual for Paint Reuse Programs —Product Stewardship Institute
Require Producer Responsibility
Cities and Counties are taking local action to require producer and/or retailer responsibility for end-of-life management of toxic and problematic products. San Luis Obispo County passed ordinances that shift the financial burden for management of paint, sharps, fluorescent lights and household batteries from local government to the producers and retailers of these products.
- San Luis Obispo County's Ordinance No. 2009-1 establishing a used regulated paint management program 5/13/09
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Resources
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Links
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