Get Rid Of Unwanted Paint Legally Under New CT Law

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.