Smithfield To Host Free Paint Recycling Event Sept. 11

SMITHFIELD, RI —The town of Smithfield announced Thursday that it will be hosting a free paint recycling drop-off event next month, which will allow households and businesses to get rid of items like: latex or oil-based house paint and primers, stains, deck and concrete sealers and clear finishes like varnishes and shellac.

The event, run by PaintCare, will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Smithfield Highway Garage, 3 Spragueville Rd. The service is open to Rhode Island residents only, and appointments are necessary. Registration can be done online, and space is limited. Interested participants also can call (855) PAINT09.

According to a release, paint being dropped off must be in sealed, original containers with the original manufacturer label. Event staff will not accept drums or containers larger than 5 gallons, aerosol spray paints, leaking containers and unlabeled or empty containers.

Also not accepted: hazardous waste or chemicals, such as paint thinner, solvents, motor oil, spackle, glue, adhesive, roofing tar, pesticides and cleaning chemicals, according to a release.

Businesses hoping to use the PaintCare program for oil-based paint must qualify as an exempt generator under federal and state hazardous waste generator rules, organizers said. More information about these exempt generator rules is available online.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, participants are asked to place all paint materials for drop-off in their vehicle's trunk or the bed of a truck and remain in the vehicle. Event staff then will remove the paint materials.

More information about year-round PaintCare drop-off sites can be found online or by calling (855) PAINT09.