Pinkin, Lopez & Kennedy Bill to Establish Paint Stewardship Program Improving Recycling of Household Paint Products Clears Assembly

Measure to Boost Recycling and Lessen Environmental Impact of Paints

(TRENTON) – Hoping to create more convenient, cost-effective options for recycling architectural paint products normally tossed away amongst household trash, legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Nancy Pinkin, Yvonne Lopez and James Kennedy was passed 57-20 in the full Assembly on Monday.

The bill (A-4382), pertaining to architectural paints defined as interior or exterior architectural coatings sold in five gallons or less, requires producers and representative organizations of these products to develop and implement a plan for stewardship.

Sponsors of the bill issued the following statements:

Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex): “Up until now, depending where you lived, there ceased to be a safe and viable way to recycle leftover paint. By cultivating partnerships with the paint producers, it will allow us to allocate permanent collection sites that are accessible to 90 percent of New Jersey residents. This collaboration builds upon our continuous efforts to provide more effective and environmentally friendly waste management solutions for New Jersey.”

Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex): “These paints are contaminating soil and polluting our water supply. This bill would help incentivize beneficial partnerships between manufacturers and municipalities, and serve to mitigate the harm of improper disposal by consumers. It also improves the chance of products being recycled and repurposed for the creation of new products.”

Assemblyman James Kennedy (D-Middlesex, Somerset, Union): “In placing greater responsibility on producers, we generate not only more accountability, but also reduce the financial burden on the public sector and local government agencies in managing hazardous waste. Ultimately, the stewardship is a long-term investment that spurs more conscientious decision-making by producers from the point of manufacture all the way through to the point of disposal.”