#United States #Maryland #recycling #Annapolis #PaintCare

Maryland's New Paint Recycling Program

On March 30, 2026, Maryland took a significant step towards environmental sustainability by introducing a new statewide paint recycling program. This initiative, launched by elected officials and leaders from the paint industry at the Miller Senate Office Building in Annapolis, aims to simplify the recycling of leftover paint, stain, and varnish for households and businesses.

The Vision Behind PaintCare

Operating under the auspices of PaintCare, a nonprofit organization founded by paint manufacturers through the American Coatings Association (ACA), the program is set to officially commence on April 1, 2026. The primary goal of PaintCare is to recover and recycle hundreds of thousands of gallons of leftover paint each year. With a comprehensive network of drop-off sites—including local paint and hardware retail stores and government facilities—Marylanders will find it easier than ever to dispose of unused paint responsibly. This initiative is the result of the paint stewardship law that received bipartisan support and was signed by Governor Wes Moore in 2024.

Maryland's program underlines a significant shift in the way paint waste is managed. As stated by ACA's President and CEO, Michael W. Johnson, this launch reflects the coatings industry's proactive stance towards sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to responsible paint management.

The Implementation of the Program

The program requires paint manufacturers to create cost-effective stewardship initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of leftover paint produced. It encourages recycling and reuse practices while ensuring an environmentally sound post-consumer paint waste management approach by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

During the press conference, several prominent figures, including Maryland State Delegate Regina Boyce and State Senators Benjamin Brooks and Chris West, voiced their support for this transformative legislation. Delegate Boyce emphasized the common-sense nature of the program, aiming to reduce waste and protect the environment, while Senator Brooks expressed pride in sponsoring legislation that births a responsible recycling solution for Marylanders.

The program has garnered widespread support from municipal and environmental groups, highlighting a collective effort to foster a cleaner and healthier environment. PaintCare’s nationwide goal is to minimize paint waste and increase recycling through convenient, sustainable options.

How PaintCare Works

PaintCare establishes convenient drop-off sites across Maryland, making the recycling of leftover paint a straightforward process. Residents can find these locations easily by accessing PaintCare's online site locator or by calling their hotline. The program accepts both latex and oil-based architectural paint products, including interior and exterior paints, primers, stains, sealers, and varnishes. It's essential for paint to be returned in its original container with the manufacturer's label intact.

For quantities exceeding five gallons, PaintCare offers a free pickup service upon request. This ensures that businesses and organizations with larger volumes can also participate without barriers. The program is funded through a modest PaintCare fee assessed at the point of sale for new paint, covering all operational costs related to paint collection, transportation, processing, and community education.

The Expected Impact

In its first year, the Maryland PaintCare program is anticipated to collect approximately 350,000 gallons of paint. This capacity emphasizes the necessity of systematic recycling, with a focus on the