It is more convenient than ever to recycle paint in Minnesota. Since the start of the Minnesota paint stewardship program in November 2014, PaintCare has set up 256 drop-off sites where the public can take unwanted, leftover paint for recycling. These sites are at paint retailers (paint and hardware stores) and county household hazardous waste facilities that have volunteered to take back paint, and they are available to any household and most businesses in Minnesota. These locations accept paint whenever they are open for business.
A few restrictions apply. There are limits on how much paint can be dropped off per visit. Each drop-off site sets a limit and it is usually 5 gallons (some accept more). Businesses that produce less than 220 pounds (about 20 gallons) of hazardous waste per month are known as Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs). VSQGs can use the program for any amount latex paint, but they can only drop off up to 20 gallons oil-based paint if they certify their status as a VSQG, in compliance with requirements of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Businesses that generate more than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month can only drop off latex paint. When you decide it’s time to recycle your paint, please call your site ahead of time to confirm their hours and to make sure they have space to accept the amount of paint you would like to recycle.