Latex Paint

Recycle Paint LogoBRING IN THE PAINT! printable version

“What should I do with leftover paint?” The South Shore Recycling Cooperative (SSRC) advises residents to bring oil based (“alkyd”) paint and stain to one of  our household hazardous waste (HHW) events, as their solvents are hazardous to health, safety and the environment.

As for latex paint, it is messy, but not hazardous.  Until now, we have had to advise absorbing the  liquid with cat litter to prevent it from dripping, and dispose of the open cans with household trash.  Paint should never be poured down indoor or outdoor drains, unless you want an excuse to call your plumber.

This year, usable latex paint has a chance for a second “life”.  Thanks to a grant from the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection, the SSRC is partnering with The Paint Exchange LLC of Scituate on a pilot paint recycling program.   

Last spring we diverted 650 gallons of good paint from the incinerator at seven collections.  This has saved our member towns thousands in disposal costs.  We have scheduled another five collection events this fall at which usable latex interior paint will be collected for recycling.

What is considered “Usable” paint? :

  • Interior latex paint
  • Original container and label
  • 1 gallon size or greater (no quarts please)
  • Limit of 15 gallons per household

Before bringing it in, dust off and pop the lid.  “If you would use it, we can use it”.  Check that the following have not occurred:

  • Mold or mildew growth
  • A foul odor (putrification)
  • Solidification or skinning - if the paint is solid or overly thick it cannot be recycled
  • Curdling (semi solid lumps of paint)

If any of these things have occurred, stir in some kitty litter, leave the lid off, put it in a bag and dispose with your trash.

 

If your paint passes muster, it will be accepted from 9 am-1 pm at the following locations:

Sat., 10/29  Hanover Transfer Station, 118 Rockland St. (Rt. 139, during HHW collection)

Sat., 11/5   Middleborough Town Hall, 10 Nickerson Ave. (during HHW collection)

 

paintexchange-photo

The Paint Exchange

The Paint Exchange strains, batches, processes and repackages high quality, beautifully colored “reColor” paints.  The product is available for sale at just over half the price of “virgin” paint at the Welch Company in Scituate.  TPE also accepts usable paint at its Scituate storefront for a charge of $2/can. Visit their website www.RecycleReuseRepaint.com, or call 781-545-1272 for more information.   (More outlets may be available soon).

While this is a pilot project funded through 2011 only, the goals are to launch a sustainable enterprise in which TPE can cover their costs and eventually turn a profit, and reduce the cost and volume of trash for our member municipalities.

We hope that residents of our member towns of Abington, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Kingston, Middleboro, Norwell, Plymouth, Rockland, Scituate, Weymouth and Whitman  make the choice to recycle their good quality interior latex paint, and keep the cycle going by using reColor paint.

Bring in the paint!

Go to The Paint Exchange for more information