PaintCare, DEM lead recycling effort

PROVIDENCE – PaintCare, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, and the R.I. Department of Environmental Management this month announced the start of a new paint-recycling program in Rhode Island.
According to a news release, June 1 marked the first day of the Rhode Island Paint Stewardship Program, which was signed into law by Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee in 2012. The new law requires paint manufacturers to develop a take-back system for leftover paint from household and commercial consumers. The new program is the fifth of its kind in the United States.
Created by the American Coatings Association, PaintCare is a nonprofit organization that works with state and local governments to develop paint-stewardship programs. It also recruits paint stores and others to serve as year-round paint drop-off locations; and conduct public outreach and education. PaintCare operates programs in four other states that have passed similar legislation.
The program is funded by a nominal fee added to the purchase price of paint at retailers throughout the state. The fees range from $0.35 to $1.60, depending on the size of the container.
Most drop-off sites will be at paint retailers and open year-round. PaintCare sites accept all brands of house paint, stain and varnish, no matter how old they are, during their regular business hours. PaintCare expects to set up at least 25 new paint drop-off sites throughout Rhode Island as part of the program. •

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