Washington’s New Paint Recycling Program: What You Need to Know
Washington State's PaintCare program, launched in 2021, is a paint recycling initiative managed by the paint industry. The program has been highly successful, with over 250 drop-off sites across the state and millions of gallons of paint collected for recycling and reuse. Designed to reduce illegal paint dumping and promote eco-friendly disposal, the program allows residents and businesses to drop off leftover paint at designated collection sites.
This initiative follows the passage of SHB 1652, a law passed in 2019 with strong bipartisan support, and makes Washington the latest state to adopt PaintCare, joining Oregon, California, and seven other states plus Washington D.C..
Why Does PaintCare Matter?
Unused paint left in garages and sheds often ends up in landfills or is improperly disposed of, harming the environment. According to Megan Warfield from the Washington State Department of Ecology, PaintCare is a major step forward:
Reduces illegal dumping
Makes paint recycling more accessible
Conserves resources and lowers greenhouse gas emissions
The success of similar programs is promising—Oregon recycled 767,088 gallons of paint in 2019 alone.
How PaintCare Works in Washington
When purchasing architectural paint in Washington, you’ll now pay a small PaintCare fee to fund collection, transportation, and proper disposal:
$0.00 – Half pint or smaller
$0.45 – Larger than half pint up to 1 gallon
$0.95 – 1 gallon up to 2 gallons
$1.95 – Larger than 2 gallons up to 5 gallons
These fees match those in neighboring Oregon as well as in Washington D.C.
The Challenges So Far
While the PaintCare program has strong potential, early implementation has been rocky. A survey of paint collection sites in South King County revealed that many stores are struggling with overwhelming demand.
After calling four participating stores, only one was accepting paint drop-offs—others reported being at full capacity. Store representatives cited storage limitations and an unexpected rush of people eager to recycle old paint. Common responses included:
“We’re completely full at the moment.”
“Check back in a few days when we have more space.”
This backlog has left some residents frustrated, and adjustments will be needed to smooth out operations.
What You Can Do
If you have old paint to dispose of, here’s how to navigate the new system:
✔️ Call ahead – Before heading to a drop-off site, check if they have space.
✔️ Be patient – Many stores are dealing with an initial wave of drop-offs, and availability should improve.
✔️ Check accepted products – Not all paint types qualify. Visit paintcare.org for details.
Need Help with a Painting Project?
At Element PCC, we specialize in professional, eco-friendly commercial painting services in the Greater Seattle and Bellevue areas (and beyond!). If you need help selecting sustainable paints or a fresh coat for your business, we’re here to assist.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s bring your vision to life—while keeping Washington green!