Maryland is getting ready to launch a statewide paint recycling program in spring of 2026. The program, spearheaded by
PaintCare, is designed to support and partner with local entities to manage paint responsibly while keeping it out of landfills.
Of course, we had questions so on November 19th, Jacob Saffert,
PaintCare’s Director of Eastern States, gave us the inside scoop on the program. He walked us through how the roll-out will take place, why it’s a win for local programs, and what steps you can take now to prepare.
Below are highlights of the conversation.
You can view the full webinar here.
Establishing the program: In 2024, Maryland General Assembly passed the
Maryland Paint Stewardship bill, directing the
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to establish a statewide paint recycling program. The target date for implementation is April 1, 2026.
The program will be implemented and managed by
PaintCare, a 501(c)(3) non-profit and subsidiary of American Coatings Association, which designs and operates manufacturer-led, paint recycling programs in states that pass paint stewardship laws. Maryland will be the 13th program.
How the program works: All paint manufacturers operating in states with an approved stewardship program must participate in the program.
PaintCare submits a program plan to the state agency for approval on behalf of manufacturers. Once approved, manufacturers register with
PaintCare, report sales monthly, and pay fees (collected through the sales of architectural coatings) on paint containers sold. These fees fund the statewide paint collection and recycling services.
See accepted products.
Maryland Program Plan (
learn more about the program): The plan was submitted to MDE July 1, 2025, with final plan approved October 1, 2025. The program aims for 90% of residents to have a drop-off site within 15 miles and at least one site per 50,000 people, requiring at least 123 sites statewide.
To meet these numbers,
PaintCare is recruiting HHW programs, recycling centers, hardware stores, reuse stores, etc., to serve as drop-off sites. So far, approximately 440 retailers have been identified with 252 as potential drop-off sites. This is in addition to local government and reuse locations. Drop-off sites will receive training, community outreach support, and regular monitoring. Free pickup (100+ gallons) will be available for contractors and property managers.
PaintCare is finalizing agreements with vendors MXI and Clear Harbors on collection, transportation and processing.
PaintCare projects that in its first full year of operation (2027), the Maryland program will collect approximately 492,507 gallons of leftover paint, which compared to about 7,880,470 gallons of new paint sold, results in a projected 6.2% recovery rate. These numbers highlight the scale of the program and its potential impact on reducing waste and promoting responsible paint management.
What happens to the paint: Oil based paints are primarily used as a fuel source. Depending on its condition, latex paint may be recycled, reused, or used for aggregate and pre-cast products, landscaping materials or cover for landfill management.
*If your organization deals with waste management or sustainability, this is a great opportunity to get involved.
PaintCare covers the cost for the supplies, the transportation, and the processing of the paint collected at your site. Learn more about the program and how you can get involved below…
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Maryland Program Details
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Maryland Program Details
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Become a PaintCare Drop-off Site
*MRN supported the Maryland Paint Stewardship bill. You can read full statements on the 2024 Legislative Session Recap. And be sure to stay up-to-date on MRN's legislative efforts on our Legislative/Regulatory page.