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MCC Daily Tribune

Green Tip: Paint Recycling is here in NYS!

The New York State Postconsumer Paint Collection Program began on May 1, 2022. The program is operated by PaintCare, a non-profit organization established by the paint industry to manage unwanted architectural coating products and provide for their recycling or proper disposal.

The program accepts leftover latex and oil-based paints and similar products at drop-off sites throughout the state. They do not include aerosol products (spray cans), industrial maintenance (IM), original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or specialty coatings.

Search by your zip code to find the closest PaintCare recycler, and more information for that location.

Note:

  • Drop-off sites will accept up to 5 gallons per customer per visit, some may accept more.
  • Paint should be in original containers with intact labels that identify the product.

Accepted products: View a complete list of products accepted by PaintCare.

  • Interior and exterior architectural paints: latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based, enamel (including textured coatings)
  • Deck coatings, floor paints (including elastomeric)
  • Primers, sealers, undercoaters
  • Stains
  • Shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes (single component)
  • Waterproofing concrete/masonry/wood sealers and repellents (not tar or bitumen-based)
  • Metal coatings, rust preventatives
  • Field and lawn paints

The program is funded by a small fee – the PaintCare Fee – on the sale of all new paint in the state. The program will provide for continuous and convenient collection year-round and accept all program products regardless of when they were purchased. No longer will you have to plan to bring unwanted oil-based paints for collection at your local Household Hazardous Waste collection event or dry out unwanted latex paint for household trash pick-up!

Ann Penwarden
Sustainability Steering Committee
06/14/2022