If your community is like most in New York State, leftover paint is no small issue. More than three million gallons of paint are leftover each year in the state. Leftover paint is often reusable and recyclable, yet most of it gets disposed of or managed by household hazardous waste programs, costing local governments approximately $8 per gallon.
That’s why the New York Product Stewardship Council (NYPSC) and Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) have teamed up to provide step-by-step guidance for local governments and non-profits in New York State to implement both direct reuse and paint reprocessing programs. To help interested parties get a reuse program started, we developed a Paint Reuse Manual and Directory, with funding from the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute.
These resources shine a spotlight on efforts of local governments and nonprofits that have successfully started paint reuse programs. They highlight key steps to start a reuse program, including setting up a space, spreading the word, and addressing regulatory requirements. Not only do these efforts provide a valuable service to the community, reuse efforts would be eligible for financial compensation under a future paint stewardship program.
Want to learn more? Interested in starting a reuse program? Email Sydney@productstewardship.us and we’ll help you get started!
