The EPA estimates that about 10% of all paints (including stains, primers and other coatings) sold is not used. Most of us have, or have seen, cans of unused paint piled up in our garage with nowhere to go. If not disposed of properly, serious ecological damage can result.
For a long time, it is not easy to find a place to dispose of unused paint. Many municipalities operate hazardous waste deposit centers but there are few of them and they are generally not at convenient locations.
The good news is that paint stewardship programs initiated by Paint Care, receive state legislative support and enlist many paint retailers to let consumers drop unused paint off their stores. Oregon, California and Connecticut are the first states to institute these programs. Rhode Island, Vermont, Minnesota and Maine are coming next (2014). The programs are funded through fees on each container of architectural paint in states with paint stewardship programs.
Unused paint can be retinted and reblended into paint products sold as recycled paint. Oil based paints are turned into fuel. If the paint is too old or is solidified, the material is blended into cement, asphalt or artificial landscape rocks.
Check the Paint Care site for a drop-off location near you.
