By Andra Moss

Spring is here, bringing with it thoughts of tulips, daffodils and paint cans. Enthusiastic spring cleaning
often includes the rediscovery of old or forgotten cans of paint and stain in dusty corners of a shed or
garage. What to do? Recycle it.

Through the State of Connecticut’s paint management efforts, paint manufacturers have established the
PaintCare program to recycle and dispose of leftover paint. Households may drop off up to five gallons
of paint per visit to local PaintCare sites. The program is supported by a fee that was included in the
original purchase price of the paint, so there is no cost at the time of disposal.

PaintCare sites accept all brands of leftover house paint, stain and varnish, whether used or many years
old. The paint does not have to have been purchased at the location it is returned to for recycling.
Households may drop off interior or exterior latex, acrylic or oil-based paint. Deck coatings, primers,
sealers and varnishes are also accepted. Containers must be five gallons or smaller, with lids and original
labels.

Local PaintCare drop-off sites near Norfolk include C. A. Lindell True Value Hardware in North Canaan,
True Value Hardware in Winsted and Ed Herrington’s in Lakeville. Simply drop off the cans during regular
business hours and they will take it from there.

More details and additional drop-off sites can be found at paintcare.org.