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PaintCare Illinois Celebrates Successful Start of Recycling Initiative

On February 24, 2026, influential figures from both the state government and the paint industry convened at the Illinois State Capitol to highlight the significant early achievements of the state's architectural paint recycling initiative. Less than three months after its launch on December 1, 2025, this program, spearheaded by the nonprofit organization PaintCare and backed by the American Coatings Association, has made impressive strides in facilitating the safe disposal of leftover paint and coatings for both households and businesses.

An Overview of the Program

The PaintCare initiative allows for the simple and responsible recycling of surplus paint, stains, and varnishes. With over 340 drop-off sites already established, residents are encouraged to participate actively in this eco-friendly program. State leaders, including prominent officials and advocates for environmental policy, expressed their support during this press conference, celebrating the robust involvement from the community and emphasizing the environmental advantages of the program.

Legislative Support for Paint Recycling

This innovative paint recycling effort is made possible by the paint stewardship law, which received widespread bipartisan support from the Illinois General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2023. Key figures at the press conference included Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes, the Chief Senate Sponsor of the bill, and Illinois EPA Director James Jennings. They articulated the anticipated long-term benefits of the program, showcasing early statistics that reveal approximately 60,000 gallons of leftover paint have already been collected within the program's initial months.

Senator Holmes emphasized, "This program is a tremendous win for Illinois families, businesses, and our environment. It offers a more accessible and responsible waste disposal solution that directly addresses community needs."

Community Collaboration and Support

The program has also attracted support from community organizations and environmental advocates. Stakeholders such as Walter Willis, Executive Director of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, and Heather Presutti, VP of Operations at a local paint recycling company, positively reflected on the partnerships cultivated through this initiative.

Michael W. Johnson, the President and CEO of the American Coatings Association, noted, "The enthusiasm shown by local leaders today reaffirms what we have known all along—Illinois was ready for this program. The collection figures illustrate its effectiveness and the tangible benefits it's already delivering."

Projected Impact and Future Prospects

PaintCare estimates the new recycling program should manage nearly one million gallons of leftover paint in its first year, with plans for further community engagement and additional drop-off site partnerships. Locations for these drop-off points mostly include paint and hardware retail stores, alongside select government and nonprofit facilities. Participation in the program is voluntary, providing flexible opportunities for disposal during regular business hours.

Illinois EPA Director Jennings remarked, "The swift participation after the program's launch showcases the success of our collective efforts to enhance recycling options in the state. Such initiatives are critical to fostering responsible resource management and bolstering our recycling network."

Program Accessibility and Local Engagement

Furthermore, the rollout of the PaintCare initiative includes comprehensive engagement strategies to facilitate easy participation for both retailers and users. PaintCare offers educational materials and hands-on support to its drop-off partners, ensuring seamless operation from the start.

This statewide program is designed to prioritize the highest possible utility for the collected paint products, with a focus on reusing, recycling, and redistributing paint wherever feasible. Importantly, households and businesses face no fees when disposing of their leftovers, as the initiative is supported by a small PaintCare fee included in the cost of new paint sales.

Interested individuals can easily locate drop-off sites using PaintCare's online locator or by calling their dedicated hotline. The commitment of PaintCare is clear: to simplify and promote recycling, enabling more responsible paint disposal for all residents and businesses in Illinois.

To explore further details about the PaintCare initiatives and find drop-off locations, visit paintcare.org/IL.

About PaintCare

PaintCare is focused on enhancing recycling opportunities for leftover paint nationwide, operating in several states with established paint stewardship laws. In its first year, the organization has managed over 85 million gallons of paint, varnish, and stain across the U.S., reinforcing its commitment to responsible waste management and environmental sustainability.