AUGUSTA, Maine — A new program is underway that aims to make paint recycling in Maine more convenient.
Under legislation passed in 2013, a program is in place that allows Mainers to drop off unwanted paint at a number of retail paint businesses in the state for recycling at no charge.
The program is being administered by a nonprofit organization called PaintCare that was created by an association of paint and coatings manufacturers.
The program is funded by a fee added to the purchase price of paint: 35 cents for pints and quarts, 75 cents for gallons and $1.60 for five-gallon buckets.
Pete Didisheim with the Natural Resources Council of Maine says it's a cost-effective program and, in many cases, the paint is reused.
"It's mixed together and used for painting industrial facilities, school buildings, outdoor facilities," he says. "It's a way for people to also make sure that that used paint is used again and in an appropriate way."
There are more than 60 drop-off locations in Maine. Most are retail locations, but some local transfer stations are involved as are some reuse stores. These can can be found on the website paintcare.org.
Maine joins seven other states with the program, including 3 in New England.
