The Law: Architectural paint is a “covered product” under Vermont’s product stewardship law. Since 2014, the PaintCare program has made it easy to recycle leftover paint for free at local retail stores.

🎨 Free Retail Drop-Off (PaintCare)

Households can drop off up to 5 gallons of architectural paint per visit at participating retailers. Cans must be in their original containers, have the original label, and a secure lid. Retailers cannot accept leaking or empty cans.

📍 Nearby PaintCare Retailers:

  • Aubuchon Ace Hardware (Rutland): 261 North Main St, Rutland | (802) 773-2758

  • LaValley Building Supply (Rutland): 48 Windcrest Rd, Rutland | (802) 775-0834

  • Sherwin-Williams (Rutland): 76 Woodstock Ave, Rutland | (802) 773-9212

  • Aubuchon Hardware (Brandon): 10 Center St, Brandon | (802) 247-6059

  • Aubuchon Hardware (Fair Haven): 654 Route 22A N, Fair Haven | (802) 265-3677

  • Gilmore Home Center (Bomoseen): 427 Route 4A, Bomoseen | (802) 468-5676

✅ PaintCare Sites Accept:

  • Paints: Interior and exterior house paints (latex, acrylic, water-based, oil-based, enamel).

  • Finishes: Deck coatings, floor paints, stains, shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, and urethanes (single component).

  • Prep: Primers, sealers, and undercoaters.

  • Sealers: Waterproofing concrete/masonry/wood sealers and repellents (not tar or bitumen-based).

⚠️ Non-PaintCare Items (Take to SWAC HHW Events)

Retail stores are not allowed to take the following. These items should be saved for a SWAC Household Hazardous Waste Event:

  • Aerosols: All spray paints.

  • Problem Cans: Any containers that are leaking, open, or missing their labels.

  • Solvents: Paint thinners, mineral spirits, and turpentine.

  • Specialty: Auto/marine paints, craft paints, epoxies, and wood preservatives (containing pesticides).

  • Tar-Based: Roof patch, asphalt, and bitumen-based products.

💡 Paint Smarter

  • Buy Right: Consult with professionals to buy only what you need. Visit www.paintcare.org/paint-smarter/ for more tips.

  • Use It Up: Apply a second coat or give leftovers to a neighbor.

  • Latex “Last Resort”: For very small amounts of latex paint (one quart or less), you can let it air dry or add kitty litter to solidify it. Once rock hard, it can go in the trash with the lid off. Never do this with oil-based paint.

🏢 For Businesses

  • Latex: Businesses can drop off any amount of latex paint at PaintCare sites (subject to space).

  • Oil-Based: Small businesses (VSQGs) have certain limits for oil-based paint. Visit www.paintcare.org/business-limits.

  • Large Volumes: If you have over 100 gallons of paint, call PaintCare at (855) PAINT09 to request a free large-volume pickup.