For painting contractors, leftover paint isn’t a sign of poor planning. It’s often a byproduct of delivering quality work.
PaintCare’s annual awareness survey found that 40% of painting contractors intentionally purchase more paint than needed to accommodate touch-ups, ensure color consistency, account for multiple coats, and avoid costly jobsite delays. In other words, leftover paint is often part of doing business.
The challenge comes after the project is finished.
Painting contractors are much more likely than non-professionals to have significant volumes of paint in storage. Nearly 90% of contractors store leftover paint, while 43% have at least five gallons on hand and 15% have 15 gallons or more. That inventory can occupy valuable warehouse, shop, and vehicle space while creating long-term storage and disposal challenges.
PaintCare was designed to help solve those challenges.
In PaintCare states, contractors have access to convenient paint recycling drop-off sites as well as a free on-site pickup service for qualifying quantities of 100 gallons or more. Over the last five years, PaintCare has completed more than 3,750 pickups, collecting approximately 1.5 million gallons of leftover paint from painting contractors alone.
The business benefits are clear: less clutter, safer workspaces, reduced disposal headaches, and more room for materials and equipment that support day-to-day operations.
Contractors who’ve used the service consistently report positive results.
“It improved my bottom line, lowered my inventory, and made the shop safer.”
“The process was extremely user friendly. I cannot recommend strongly enough.”
“The driver showed up as requested and away the paint went. No pain involved at all!”
PaintCare’s research also shows strong contractor engagement with recycling. Eighty-three percent of painting contractors have recycled paint before, and 86% say they are likely to do so again. Contractors cite motivations including freeing up storage space, improving safety, ensuring proper disposal, and supporting environmental stewardship.
PaintCare programs currently operate in California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Contractors in these areas can take advantage of PaintCare’s recycling network and business services to simplify paint management and reclaim valuable workspace.
Learn more about PaintCare’s contractor and business services at www.paintcare.org/business.
Originally published Constructor Monthly