Naperville Residents: A Complete Guide to Paint Recycling in DuPage County
Are you tackling a home improvement project and left with leftover paint? Or perhaps you’ve discovered a stash of old, unused cans in your garage? Don’t let that paint become an environmental hazard! This comprehensive guide details everything Naperville and DuPage county residents need to know about responsible paint recycling, ensuring a cleaner community and a sustainable future. We’ll cover drop-off locations, accepted materials, program details, and answer frequently asked questions to make the process seamless.
According to recent data from the EPA, over 350 million gallons of paint are produced in the US annually, with an estimated 10% ending up discarded improperly. (Source: https://www.epa.gov/).Fortunately, Illinois now offers a convenient and free solution for residents.
The Illinois Paint Stewardship Program: A Game Changer
Launched on December 1st, the Illinois Paint Stewardship Program, administered by the non-profit paintcare, is funded by a small fee added to the purchase of new paint. This innovative approach shifts the responsibility for managing leftover paint from local governments and taxpayers to paint manufacturers – a win-win for everyone. This program isn’t just about convenience; it’s about environmental responsibility.Improper disposal of paint can contaminate soil and waterways, posing risks to both human health and ecosystems.
Convenient Drop-Off Locations in naperville & DuPage County
DuPage County boasts 29 convenient drop-off locations, including several right here in Naperville. Here’s a list of participating stores:
* JC Licht Benjamin Moore Paint & Decor: 419 S.Washington St., Naperville
* Buikema’s Ace Hardware: 1030 N. Washington St., Naperville
* Buikema’s Ace Hardware: 963 W. 75th St.,Naperville
* Buikema’s Ace Hardware: 5035 Ace Lane,Naperville
* Sherwin-Williams: 44 W. Gartner Road, Naperville
You can find a complete and updated list of all DuPage County drop-off sites at www.paintcare.org/drop-off-sites.
What Types of Paint Can You Recycle?
The Illinois PaintCare program accepts a wide variety of architectural coatings, including:
* Latex Paint: Interior and exterior
* acrylic Paint: Water-based
* Oil-Based Paint: Including enamel
* Water-Based Paint
* Primers & Sealers
* Stains: Wood, deck, and floor stains
* Shellacs & Lacquers
* Textured Coatings
* Rust Preventatives
* Waterproofing Sealers: For concrete, masonry, and wood
* Field & Lawn Paints
Though, not all locations accept all types of paint and stains. Again, calling ahead is crucial. The program limits residents to a maximum of five gallons per visit.
Beyond Residential Recycling: Large Volume Generators
If you’re a contractor, property manager, or generate large volumes of paint waste, you have specific responsibilities. You must contact paintcare directly and adhere to all federal and state hazardous waste generator rules. More information for large volume generators can be found on the PaintCare website: https://www.paintcare.org/for-businesses/. ignoring these regulations can result in meaningful fines and penalties.
Addressing Common Concerns: Paint Disposal & Alternatives
many residents wonder about alternative disposal methods.
