The program is operated by PaintCare, a nonprofit organization created by paint companies through the American Coatings Association (ACA) to manage leftover paint in states that have enacted paint stewardship laws. PaintCare’s program, which officially started operations in Maryland on April 1, 2026, will feature a robust network of convenient, close-to-home paint drop-off locations, including paint and hardware retail stores and local government facilities.
From early on, the paint stewardship legislation was supported by a broad coalition of municipal and environmental organizations, including MDE, the Product Stewardship Institute, the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, as well as others.
“The launch of PaintCare in Maryland marks a milestone in advancing responsible paint management,” said 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.”
PaintCare sites accept both latex and oil-based architectural paint products, including interior and exterior paints, primers, stains, sealers and varnishes. Paint must be dropped off in its original container with its original manufacturer’s label. All sites accept products from any manufacturer. All sites accept up to five gallons of paint from each customer; some sites may accept more.
Businesses, organizations and households with 100 gallons of paint or more to recycle may request a free pickup at their location. Some restrictions apply.
There is no cost to households and businesses when dropping off leftover paint for recycling. A small fee – called the PaintCare fee – is placed on the sale of new paint and funds all aspects of the program including paint collection, transportation, processing and public education. The PaintCare fee in Maryland varies by container size: $0.00 for half pint or smaller; $0.50 for larger than half pint up to smaller than one gallon; $1.15 for one gallon up to two gallons; $2.25 for larger than two gallons up to five gallons.
The new Maryland PaintCare program is expected to collect approximately 350,000 gallons of paint in its first year.
Published June 2026