From leftover product to lasting impact: Smarter ways to manage house paints

According to statistics from the policy-driven Product Stewardship Institute, more than 80 million gallons of latex and oil-based paint sold in the U.S. goes completely unused every year.

And this leftover paint doesn’t just sit in storage facilities or the corners of garages. It can create problems for municipalities in the form of exorbitant disposal fees and has the potential to create environmental complications through improper handling and overwhelming volume.

But thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way.

PaintCare launched in 2009 to collect leftover household paint, stain and varnish from U.S. households and businesses. The program facilitates the process of ensuring the product is reused, recycled into new paint, or disposed of properly to minimize environmental impact. Since entering New York state in 2022, the program has collected more than 2 million gallons of product and has partnered with more than 370 sites including hardware and retail stores and even locally managed government facilities to make it easier than ever to responsibly dispose of leftover paint at neighborhood drop-off sites. 

However, it doesn’t start or end with PaintCare’s work within their drop-off site partner communities. Individuals can make a big difference by reducing the amount of paint that goes to waste.

Before you make your next paint purchase, consider the following.  

Buy right 

When preparing for an in-home job or one that’s much larger in scope, most people don’t go to the trouble of considering the exact amount of paint required. They simply buy more than they need, just to be covered. This leads to leftover paint that’s opened, unused and eventually wasted. If purchasers plan out their projects, use helpful paint calculators — available online and in most home improvement stores — or speak to a paint professional, waste can be minimized, and money can be saved. 

Store right

Just because you have leftover paint doesn’t mean that product needs to sit idle or go to waste. If users properly wipe paint can rims, seal lids and store unused product in a cool, dry place, it can extend the life of the paint for years. This means it’s ready for future use on small projects or ongoing touch-ups around the house and can save you yet another trip to the hardware store.

Use it up — and share

Then again, leftover paint doesn’t have to sit around unused or be saved for future projects. It can spark creativity with an inventive project, a refresh on old furniture, or even a family project that engages everyone. And if one person can’t use it, another individual or group might be waiting in need. Schools, community centers, local theaters and artists can also repurpose small amounts for their own endeavors — and might be more than happy to take it.   

But after every avenue for paint usage has been explored, PaintCare is there to help you and those throughout your community with their paint recycling needs. Look for PaintCare’s drop-off locations in your neighborhood; and if you own a local hardware and retail store and would like to become a PaintCare drop-off location, please visit their website. 

Unused paint doesn’t have to be wasted paint. If people work together — and paint smarter — people can get the most out of every can.

Guest writer Andrew Radin is the New York state program manager for PaintCare. Prior to joining PaintCare, Radin served as the director of recycling and waste reduction for the Onondaga County, NY, Resource Recovery Agency. Radin has been active in the product stewardship movement in N.Y. state, serving on the board of directors of the NY Product Stewardship Council, the Product Stewardship Institute, and the NY State Association of Reduction, Reuse and Recycling.

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