Large Canadian retailer expands its paint recycling program

RONA, a large chain of Canadian home centers, has expanded its paint recycling program to include British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta as well as Ontario and Quebec provinces, according to the Home Channel News. But if that seems a tad too far to drive, there are safe ways to properly dispose of extra paint on this side of the border.

In this country, retailers haven’t yet gotten into the paint recycling business but some states have proposed legislation that's been supported by the American Coatings Association. The industry group believes that rules are needed for paint-collection programs to succeed, not just voluntary efforts by companies or communities.

The best way to avoid the issue, of course, is to not have any leftover paint to begin with. Remember a gallon of paint covers about 400 square feet for smooth walls and ceilings, a bit less for rougher surfaces. One coat coverage and superb stain resistance helped put Home Depot’s Behr Premium Plus interior paints, $31 to $38 per gallon, at the top of our paint Ratings. But others did nearly as well for less money.

If you do end up with leftover paint, here’s how to get rid of it. You can find information specific to where you live at Earth911.com.

Donate it for reuse. Some organizations will accept paint that’s in good condition, meaning it can be easily stirred to a smooth consistency and is uncontaminated. The paint should also be in an intact, labeled container.

Recycle it. Some communities offer recycling programs for old paint and empty paint cans. Water-based, or latex, paint can be recycled into new paint or it can even be used to create nonpaint products such as cement. Oil-based, or alkyd, paint is usually used for fuel blending—meaning it’s burned to create energy at a power plant. To find out whether paint recycling is an option in your area, contact your municipal recycling or household-hazardous-waste center.

Dispose of it. If you can’t donate or recycle your paint, find out how to properly dispose of it in your area. Each municipality has different requirements, depending on whether the paint is oil- or water-based. Oil-based paint is always considered hazardous and should be disposed of at a household-hazardous-waste collection facility. Water-based paint is treated as hazardous in only a few states—including California, Washington and Minnesota—and is still generally accepted at hazardous-waste facilities.

—Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman

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