Get Rid Of Unwanted Paint Legally Under New CT Law

This article was written by Aaron Boyd.

As part of new legislation in Connecticut that governs the disposal of old and unwanted paint, several free drop-off days have been organized around Western Connecticut, beginning this weekend through August 17.

The events, managed by non-profit PaintCare, are open to all Connecticut residents — not just those in the town where the drop-off is taking place — and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents can bring any amount of latex or oil-based paint, primers, deck or concrete sealers and clear finishes (varnishes, shellac, etc.). Businesses looking to dispose of oil-based paints must be pre-screened, by state law, and should call 855-724-6809.

PaintCare will not accept leaking, unlabeled or empty containers; aerosol spray paints; drums or containers larger than 5 gallons; or other hazardous waste or chemicals, such as paint thinner, solvents, motor oil, spackle, glue, adhesive, roofing tar, pesticides or cleaning chemicals.

These drop-off events and other future programs are funded through a tax on paint purchases — half pint or less: $0; more than half pint to 1 gallon: $0.35; 1 gallon: $0.75; more than 1 gallon to 5 gallons: $1.60.

Drop-Off Events:
July 13 — Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Ave., Hamden
July 20 — Fairfield Ward High School, 755 Melville Ave., Fairfield
July 27 — East Lyme Highway Department, 8 Capitol Drive, East Lyme
Aug. 3 — Torrington Recycling Center, 252 Bogue Road, Harwinton
Aug. 3 — Danbury Public Works, 52A Newtown Road, Danbury
Aug. 10 — Norwich Public Works, 50 Clinton Ave., Norwich
Aug. 17 — New Britain Recycling Center, 642 Christian Lane, Berlin

Unwanted paint can also be deposited at the Sherwin-Williams paint store on Pandaram Road in Danbury during regular business hours. There is a 5 gallon limit.