NEW YORK, N.Y. – PaintCare, a national nonprofit organization created by paint companies that makes it easy for households and businesses to recycle leftover paint, partnered with GreenSheen to supply more than 30 gallons of reuse paint to artists participating in the “Trucks of Art 2026” initiative, a citywide public art program led by the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) in partnership with the Sanitation Foundation.
Now in its third iteration, the Trucks of Art program focuses on reuse and waste reduction while offering local artists the chance to take a creative spin on DSNY’s collection vehicles using zero waste materials, including unused, leftover paint collected through PaintCare’s statewide paint recovery program.
In addition to providing free leftover paint, PaintCare is also proud to be an official sponsor of Trucks of Art, supporting this year’s program, artist engagement and community celebration. The truck murals, which will soon be seen by thousands of New Yorkers each day across all five boroughs, were unveiled today, May 19, during a celebratory festival held at Union Square. The event featured hands-on activities for the community and a series of tabletop displays from participating partners, like PaintCare, whose team shared information about its growing network for convenient, close-to-home paint recycling drop off sites.
This year’s truck artwork celebrates keeping New York City clean, sustainability and essential workers. Out of more than 400 artist submissions, five murals were selected by DSNY earlier this year including murals from Marieke Bender, Allison Bouganim, Lauren Stewart, Thought Matter, and Catherine Witherwax. The artists were tasked with painting nearly 400 square feet of surface on a collection truck, including the truck body and cab. In addition to being provided paint and materials, each artist received a stipend up to $1,500 from the Sanitation Foundation.
“Department of Sanitation collection trucks perform a critical task, removing the 24 million pounds of material New York City residents set out every day,” said DSNY Commissioner Gregory Anderson. “At the same time, they are an integral part of New York City’s streetscape, and by commissioning local artists to turn these trucks into roving works of art, we are uplifting neighborhoods, showcasing local artistic talent and reminding New Yorkers to help us keep our city clean.”
“We’re proud to partner with New York’s community organizations, including PaintCare and GreenSheen, whose commitment to reuse reflects the values at the heart of this program,” said Caroline Towbin, Sr. Director, Development & Partnerships at the Sanitation Foundation. “Working closely with DSNY, and a growing network of partners, we’ve seen incredible momentum behind this initiative year over year. It demonstrates how sustainability efforts can bring organizations together, inspire creativity and greater community involvement.”
“PaintCare was created by paint companies, through the American Coatings Association, to responsibly manage paint at the end of its life—and reuse is the best possible outcome,” said Andrew Radin, PaintCare’s New York State Program Manager. “Not only are we a proud sponsor of Trucks of Art 2026, but here we’re seeing how paint collected through our program is given a second life. Seeing reuse happen on such a visible, large scale is rewarding. We appreciate GreenSheen’s collaboration in preparing the paint and are proud to support this effort alongside DSNY, Sanitation Foundation and its partners.”
Following New York’s passage of a stewardship law in 2019, PaintCare has created more than 390 recycling drop-off sites across New York State—including nearly 70 within New York City. More than 95% of New York residents now live within 15 miles of a designated drop-off site, making it incredibly convenient for anyone to aid sustainability efforts.
Additionally, throughout the year, PaintCare hosts community-wide paint recycling drop-off events, teaming up with local partners like, Fordham University, York College, and Farmingdale State College to offer households and businesses a convenient opportunity to drop off leftover paint. This June, PaintCare will be in Queens Village hosting a drop-off event at Alley Pond Park.
Some of PaintCare’s community events also feature PaintShare™ giveaways, where PaintCare provides free leftover paint in good condition to attendees. Color options and volumes are not guaranteed, and paint is given away on a “first come, first served” basis. Learn more on paintcare.org/events.
For more information on the PaintCare program in New York State, year-round PaintCare drop-off sites, or how to become a drop off site, please visit paintcare.org/NY.
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About PaintCare
PaintCare is committed to making it easy and convenient for households, businesses, and institutions to recycle postconsumer (leftover) paint in states with paint stewardship laws. A nonprofit organization created by paint companies, PaintCare sets up drop-off locations for leftover paint, arranges for recycling and proper disposal, and conducts public education. Approximately 85 million gallons of paint, stain, and varnish have been managed by PaintCare in 12 states and the District of Columbia.