Metro has scored a two-year extension to recycle latex paint received from collection points across Oregon. The contract, which began in 2010, has helped the agency recoup the cost of its paint recycling program, maximize the region’s paint recycling rate and show its commitment as a partner in the statewide effort to reduce waste.
Paint recycling gets even easier
Got leftover paint at home? Recycle it! Oregon’s industry-run program for paint recycling makes it convenient to drop off unwanted paint and keep reusable materials out of landfills. All the leftover latex paint goes to Metro, which turns quality batches into MetroPaint, available at Miller Paint stores, MetroPaint Swan Island store, select Fred Meyer locations and independent retailers in Oregon and Washington. For the nearest paint-collection center, call 1-800-CLEANUP (800-253-2687) or visit the PaintCare website at www.paintcare.org.
With the 2009 passage of Oregon’s pioneering paint stewardship law, manufacturers gained greater responsibility in managing post-consumer paint. Industry nonprofit organization PaintCare operates the Oregon Paint Stewardship Pilot Program, which has made it even more convenient for consumers to drop off leftover paint and conserve reusable materials. As a program participant, Metro will continue accepting paint at its household hazardous waste facilities, turning quality leftover latex into award-winning MetroPaint.
During the program’s first year, MetroPaint took in about 302,000 gallons of latex paint and received about $1.2 million in revenue under the PaintCare contract. This arrangement covered all costs of operating the MetroPaint program for the first time since its 1992 launch. In addition, the increase in collected leftover paint meant an increase in recycled paint production, resulting in record paint sale volumes.
The contract extension will provide about $2.4 million in revenue to Metro over the next two years, in addition to the revenue earned selling MetroPaint.
"It’s a win for the region and the entire state," said Metro Council President Tom Hughes. "When government and business work together to keep valuable resources from going to waste, such efforts benefit people, the economy and the environment."