Safe Disposal of Household Paint in the Portland Metro Region
Written by Recycling Information Center Staff - July 2024
With the summer season in full swing, many residents in the Portland Metro region are busy cleaning out garages and working on home projects. Now more than ever, residents might be wondering what to do with unwanted, old, or leftover paint. Lucky for them (and for us) Oregon's paint stewardship program provides a convenient system to help residents safely dispose of household paint.
Oregon’s Paint Stewardship Program: A National First
In 2009, Oregon became the first state in the nation to pass a paint stewardship law. This groundbreaking legislation requires paint manufacturers to create and manage a program to reduce paint waste, increase reuse and recycling of paint, and ensure safe disposal of unusable or unwanted paint.
This initiative is funded through a small fee that Oregonians pay when purchasing new paint. The fee supports the collection, transportation, and processing of unwanted paint. The program is overseen by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and managed by a non-profit organization called PaintCare. PaintCare represents paint manufacturers to manage paint stewardship programs, not only in Oregon, but in other states and jurisdictions that pass paint stewardship laws as well. As of 2024, PaintCare manages paint stewardship programs in 11 states and Washington D.C.
It is important to note that the PaintCare program is limited to architectural paint, the kind of paint that goes on the walls of your house. Spray paint, auto paint, and craft paint are not accepted as part of the take-back program.
Benefits of Paint Stewardship in Oregon
The paint stewardship program offers several benefits to Oregon residents:
Cost Savings: By managing paint collection and disposal more efficiently, the program saves local governments money on transportation and disposal costs. Those funds can then be allocated to other community services!
Convenience for Residents: With an expanded network of collection sites, finding a location to dispose of leftover paint is easy. Many retailers that sell paint also participate in the take-back program, providing convenient drop-off locations throughout the state.
Environmental Protection: Proper disposal of paint prevents harmful chemicals from entering our landfills and water systems, protecting our environment and community health.
It is Free (sort of)! Residents pay into the program when purchasing new paint, so dropping off old paint is free of charge.
Using the PaintCare Program
We have several options for disposing of leftover paint in the Portland Metro area. As you discuss the PaintCare program with residents, remind them that the quantity of paint accepted by various participating drop-off locations varies and can be limited to small quantities. Calling ahead is always a great idea!
PaintCare Drop-off Locations: Organizations like Sherwin-Williams, Miller Paint, and Habitat ReStores accept leftover paint* for recycling. There are 192 year-round drop off sites available across the state. To find one near you or a community member, check out PaintCare’s location finder: https://www.paintcare.org/states/oregon/
* Drop off locations accept any brand of paint. For example, Sherwin-Williams will take-back Miller, Rodda, or any other branded architectural paint.
Metro Household Hazardous Waste Facilities: Residents can take up to 35-gallons of paint to either of Metro’s hazardous waste facilities free of charge. These facilities are designed to handle a variety of household hazardous wastes safely, so folks are encouraged to take other items at the same time, like batteries and medical sharps.
Community Collection Events: Metro’s household hazardous waste collection events are paused during the hot summer months but run during the spring and fall season. The most up-to-date schedule will be posted here: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/garbage-and-recycling/neighborhood-collection-events
Spread the Word!
When you’re out in the community, remind residents that they have convenient and responsible options for disposing of their household paint. The PaintCare program not only makes it easier for us to get rid of paint but also ensures that we’re doing our part to protect the environment. To close, we’ll leave you with a few Paint Fun Facts that you can work into conversations with folks at community events, in your neighborhood, or at your work:
Metal paint cans with about an inch or less of dried, residual paint can be recycled at the curb! Just make sure the paint is completely dry. Cans with more than an inch of paint that has hardened can be put in the garbage. In both cases, be sure to remove the lids!
MetroPaint, our region’s paint recycling program, recycles an impressive 300,000 to 400,000 gallons of paint each year. This paint is then processed and resold, at a much lower cost than new paint. Encourage residents to check out MetroPaint’s website for current paint color options and annual paint giveaways: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/healthy-home/metropaint
Many customers attending Metro’s household hazardous waste collection events bring only paint. If residents took advantage of other PaintCare drop-off sites around Oregon, wait times at these events could decrease.
Since the first paint stewardship program was passed in Oregon, PaintCare has collected nearly 70 million gallons of paint across the US.
If the paint is in good condition, Habitat ReStore locations often reuse it instead of sending it away for recycling.
MetroPaint donates thousands of gallons of paint annually to support community-based organizations in our region and provides free paint to those experiencing barriers to purchasing paint.