June 17th, 2009
From Green Right Now Reports
San Joaquin County announced it is developing a statewide paint stewardship program aimed at reducing the 8-million gallons of leftover paint Californians generate annually. The California Paint Stewardship Program will focus on teaching consumers how to buy the right amount of paint, properly store leftovers, and provide reuse and recycling options. For paint that cannot be reduced or reused, the project goal is to increase collection of unused paint for recycling and stimulate the recycled paint market.
Studies show that consumers frequently misjudge their paint needs, leading to large volumes of leftover paint. California’s local governments are spending almost $16 million annually to collect unused paint through Household Hazardous Waste programs, with taxpayers and garbage rate payers paying about $8 per gallon to operate the programs.
Because of the high cost, the waste management board is interested in finding long-term solutions that will reduce system costs by addressing source reduction first, then reuse and recycling. The program is being funded by a $400,000 grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.
“Educating retailers and consumers on how to buy the right amount of paint and donate or use-up what is left will cost far less than the taxpayer- and ratepayer-funded collection systems currently in place,” Heidi Sanborn, executive director of the California Product Stewardship Council, said in a statement. the primary contractor for the project.
San Joaquin County will collaborate with Tehama and San Francisco Counties to implement the project, which will build on progress from the National Paint Product Stewardship Initiative. Partners include Visions Paint Recycling, the National Paint and Coatings Association, and other experts.
