Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that legislation he co-sponsored and helped pass establishing a post-consumer paint collection program was signed into law (Ch. 673 of 2019). This law is a continuation of Stirpe’s tireless efforts to enact legislation that protects the environment. Earlier this year, Stirpe received the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling’s 2019 Environmental Leadership Award.
“Oftentimes, unused paint is improperly disposed of – whether it is poured down the drain or collected as municipal waste,” said Stirpe. “This program solves that critical problem by creating a pathway to environmentally sound management practices while creating job opportunities and empower local governments to put taxpayer dollars to better use. I thank the governor for making this important program a reality and helping us take care of our planet for future generations.”
Oil-based paints, which include enamel, varnish and shellac, are considered hazardous waste and can contain harmful solvents and carcinogens that are toxic to both humans and the environment. Homeowners can’t simply throw these products out with the trash, and the proper disposal of this paint costs local governments up to half of their household hazardous waste program budgets.[1] These products can be recycled into biofuels. The majority of water based paint can be recycled back into its original form, high quality water based paint, thus turning this waste product into a resource, Stirpe noted.
The new law requires paint manufacturers to submit a plan – including a targeted annual collection rate – to the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) by July 1, 2020, detailing how they will facilitate the recycling or reuse of disposed paint. It also allows manufacturers to submit individual plans or work together to create a plan covering several or all producers.
Further, paint producers are required to raise awareness and encourage individuals to take advantage of the program. If a manufacturer does not have a plan in place by the July 2020 deadline, they would be prohibited from selling paint for home use in the state. This program will greatly benefit our communities, both financially and environmentally, and help eliminate a significant source of pollution, Stirpe noted.
Stirpe has continuously been a strong advocate for environmental conservation. For the past five years, he has hosted a Canal Clean Sweep event to bring the community together and clean up debris and litter along the Erie Canal. He also helped pass the historic New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which sets goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invests in clean energy projects (Ch. 106 of 2019).