First Statewide Paint Recycling Program Launched in Oregon

First Statewide Paint Recycling Program Launched in Oregon—With encouragement from the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), Oregon recently instituted a new paint-recycling program, administered by the nonprofit PaintCare, for unused architectural paint. That makes Oregon the first U.S. state to institute statewide paint recycling for quantities less than five gallons (19 l). Paints accepted include interior, exterior, latex, oil, coatings, primers, and varnishes. To pay for the $4.5 million program, consumers will pay a $0.75 fee per gallon container and a $1.60 fee for five-gallon containers. So far, 38 retailers have volunteered to serve as paint drop-off sites for consumers and contractors. The unused paint will be sent to recycling centers for reuse, recycling, energy recovery or safe disposal, depending on the product. Oregon will reevaluate the program in 2011 to decide if it will continue. PSI is currently pushing for similar programs to be established in California, Connecticut, and Vermont. More information is available at www.paintcare.org.