PaintCare officially launched its recycling program in Maryland on April 1, 2026. The program allows households and businesses to recycle leftover paint, stain and varnish conveniently and sustainably.

Maryland’s paint recycling program was made possible under the paint stewardship law that passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore in 2024. Under this law, paint manufacturers are required to develop and implement a cost-effective paint stewardship program that will reduce the generation of leftover paint, promote paint reuse and recycling and manage the post-consumer paint waste stream using environmentally sound management practices. Oversight for the state’s program will be provided by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

“Wednesday’s launch of PaintCare in Maryland highlights the coatings industry’s proactive approach to sustainability,” says Michael W. Johnson, president and CEO of the American Coatings Association. “We’re proud to see this proven program expand, giving more states and consumers access to a smarter way to manage leftover paint. What truly sets PaintCare apart is its year-round availability, which provides Maryland households and businesses with ongoing, convenient recycling options through strong collaboration among industry, government and environmental partners.”

The press conference announcing the program launch featured several notable supporters of the legislation, including Maryland state delegate Regina T. Boyce, Maryland state senator Benjamin Brooks and Maryland state senator Chris West.

“Starting up a paint stewardship program in Maryland is a common-sense step that protects our environment, reduces waste, and makes it easier for Marylanders to responsibly manage leftover paint,” Boyce says. “PaintCare’s nationwide goal is to decrease paint waste and recycle more post-consumer paint by creating a convenient, sustainable solution. The implementation of this program means that we’re keeping harmful materials out of our landfills, incinerators, and waterways while building a cleaner, more circular economy for our state.”

PaintCare’s Maryland program follows similar paint stewardship laws and programs in California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

“The launch of PaintCare in Maryland marks a milestone in advancing responsible paint management,” says Amanda Nicholson, chief of operations, Product Stewardship Institute. “As the newest PaintCare program in the nation, Maryland benefits from a well-established system built on a proven model that improves recycling access for residents and supports local governments in managing leftover paint more efficiently.”