Unlock the Secret to Hassle-Free Paint Recycling in Stonington, CT

Are you a Stonington, CT resident with leftover or unwanted paint cans cluttering your garage or basement? Worry not! The PaintCare program offers a convenient and environmentally-friendly solution to help you get rid of those old paint cans safely.

As a Broker/Realtor, I want all of my clients to know the details that go into getting a home ready to sell, or what to do with your new home, including how to recycle paint in Stonington. Attending the National Association of Realtors annual expo was exceptional! Discussing PaintCare, recycling made easy, was one of the many important lessons learned. If I can help answer any questions you have in the home buying or selling process please call or text me at 860-857-5165.

Bridget Morrissey Realty, LLC

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the PaintCare program and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to recycle paint in Stonington, CT. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to responsibly dispose of your unused paint and do your part in protecting the local environment.

What is the PaintCare Program? PaintCare is a non-profit organization that operates paint stewardship programs across the United States, including in Connecticut. The program was created to provide a safe and easy way for households and businesses to recycle leftover architectural paint, such as latex and oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes.

The PaintCare program is funded by a small fee that’s added to the price of all paint sold in participating states. This fee helps cover the cost of collecting, transporting, and recycling the paint, ensuring that it doesn’t end up in landfills or waterways, where it can harm the environment.

Recycling Paint in Stonington, CT

If you live in Stonington, CT, you have several convenient options for recycling your leftover paint through the PaintCare program.

Here’s how you can get started:

Find a PaintCare Drop-Off Site The first step is to locate a nearby PaintCare drop-off site. In Stonington, there are two convenient locations:

The Stonington Transfer Station, located at 151 Greenhaven Rd, Pawcatuck accepts paint during regular business hours.
The Mystic Paint & Decorating Center, located at 50 Williams Avenue, also serves as a PaintCare drop-off site.

You can visit the PaintCare website at paintcare.org/CT to find the nearest drop-off site and check their hours of operation.

Prepare Your Paint for Recycling Before you head to the drop-off site, make sure your paint cans are properly prepared. Here’s what you need to do:

Make sure the paint cans are sealed and not leaking.
Remove any loose lids or caps.
Ensure the cans are not empty – PaintCare only accepts paint that is at least 1/4 full.
Separate latex (water-based) and oil-based paints into different boxes or bags.

Transport Your Paint to the Drop-Off Site Once your paint is ready, simply load up your car and head to the PaintCare drop-off site. If you have a large volume of paint, you may want to call the site ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate your delivery.

When you arrive, follow the signage and instructions provided by the site staff. They will guide you through the proper drop-off procedure and ensure your paint is handled safely and responsibly.

Enjoy a Clutter-Free Home and a Cleaner Environment After dropping off your paint, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your leftover paint will be properly recycled or disposed of. No more worrying about those half-empty cans taking up valuable storage space in your garage or basement.

But the benefits of the PaintCare program go beyond just decluttering your home. By properly recycling your paint, you’re also helping to protect the local environment. When paint is disposed of improperly, it can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water, negatively impacting wildlife and ecosystems.

The PaintCare program ensures that your paint is either recycled, reused, or safely disposed of, preventing it from ending up in landfills or waterways. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of paint waste and contributes to a more sustainable future for Stonington and the surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of paint are accepted through the PaintCare program? The PaintCare program accepts a wide range of architectural paints, including latex, oil-based, acrylic, and enamel paints, as well as stains, primers, sealers, and clear coatings. However, they do not accept paint thinners, solvents, aerosol paints, or paint-related products like caulk or adhesives.
Is there a fee for using the PaintCare program? No, there is no additional fee for using the PaintCare drop-off sites. The program is funded through a small fee that’s included in the price of all paint sold in participating states, so the recycling service is provided to consumers at no extra cost.
Can I recycle paint that’s been stored for a long time? Yes, as long as the paint cans are at least 1/4 full, the PaintCare program will accept them. Even if the paint has been sitting in your garage for years, it can still be recycled through the program.
What happens to the paint after it’s collected? Once the paint is collected at the PaintCare drop-off sites, it is transported to a central processing facility. There, the paint is sorted, filtered, and processed for recycling or safe disposal. Latex paint is often recycled into new paint products, while oil-based paints may be used as fuel or processed for other industrial applications.

PaintCare makes it easy to recycle leftover paint.

Start Recycling Your Paint Today

By taking advantage of the PaintCare program, you can easily and responsibly dispose of your leftover paint in Stonington, CT. Not only will this help you declutter your home, but it will also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable local environment.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather up your old paint cans, head to a PaintCare drop-off site, and do your part in keeping Stonington beautiful and eco-friendly. Together, we can make a difference one paint can at a time.