A state law which took effect on December 1, 2025 creats a paint recycling program in Illinois. This program enables households and businesses to recycle leftover paint, stain, and varnish conveniently and sustainably. 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 makes it convenient to recycle leftover paint by establishing drop-off sites at local paint retailers, which are centrally located and open during normal business hours, as well as local government facilities. These locations are easy to find by visiting PaintCare’s online site locator at paintcare.org, or by calling PaintCare’s hotline number at (855) PAINT09.
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. A full list of products accepted by the program is available on PaintCare’s website at paintcare.org/products.
All sites accept a minimum of five gallons of paint from each customer, some sites may accept more. Those planning to drop off paint are encouraged to call ahead to ensure the site can accept the amount and type of paint they want to recycle and confirm the site’s hours of operation. Businesses, organizations, and households with 100 gallons of paint or more to recycle may request a free pickup at their location. Some restrictions apply. More information and a request form can be found on PaintCare’s website at paintcare.org/pickup.
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.
To learn more about PaintCare and find a local paint drop-off site in Illinois, visit: paintcare.org/IL.