California County Aims to Reduce Paint in Hazardous Waste Stream

San Joaquin County, Calif., is working to reduce the amount of paint that is disposed each year in California as hazardous waste. The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) has awarded a $400,000 grant to the county to develop the California Paint Stewardship Program, which “will teach consumers how to buy the right amount of paint, properly store leftovers, and provide reuse and recycling options,” according to a county press release. “For paint that cannot be reduced or reused, the project goal is to increase the collection of unused paint for recycling and stimulate the recycled paint market.”

According to the same press release, cities and counties in California spend a total of about $16 million each year to collect unused paint through their household hazardous waste programs. “Because of the high cost, the CIWMB is interested in finding long-term solutions that will reduce system costs by addressing source reduction first, then reuse and recycling,” the release says.

For more information, visit www.CalPSC.org.