NJ racing to catch up as NY Governor signs used-paint bill into law

TRENTON—Legislation to expand opportunities for no-cost, used-paint recycling in New Jersey passed the State Assembly on Monday. Counties, environmentalists and business interests are now pressing the Senate to take action on A4382 and S2815 before the session ends in early January.

If successful, Garden State residents and businesses will share the benefits that New Yorkers won Monday when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed similar ‘Paintcare’ legislation into law.

The New Jersey legislation would authorize county household hazardous waste programs and local paint retailers to join in a national ‘Paint Stewardship’ program operating in 10 other states (and the District of Columbia). Under the program, paint manufacturers pick up the cost, currently borne by New Jersey taxpayers, of collecting and recycling over a million gallons of paint annually as well as implementing an education program for residents.

JoAnn Gemenden, President of the Association of New Jersey Household Hazardous Waste Coordinators (ANJHHWC) said, “Our Association has been fighting to get this legislation passed for several years. It’s too good an opportunity for the environment and taxpayers to miss out on.”

She noted the bill has widespread support from major business organizations like the state Chamber of Commerce and NJ Business and Industry Association, from government groups like the NJ Association of Counties, and from environmental advocates including the Sierra Club and the Association of New Jersey Recyclers.

Gemenden, whose organization represents those responsible for the collection and proper disposal of a variety of household hazardous materials, said that, in NJ, more than a million gallons of latex and oil-based paint go unused each year.

“Most unused or unwanted paint cans end up in the garage or basement until homeowners are moving and need to get rid of it quickly.” she said. “This legislation would expand the number of drop-off opportunities and ensure that all New Jersey residents and businesses have free and convenient access to paint recycling.”