Spring is here, and that often means clearing out closets, organizing garages and tackling long-overdue projects. As you sort through storage spaces, you may come across cans of leftover paint tucked away and forgotten.

You’re not alone. Homes across Colorado hold onto unused paint, often stored in basements or garages where temperature swings and moisture can cause it to rust, separate, spill or go bad. Long-term storage in garages isn’t ideal because temperature swings can damage paint.

That’s why spring cleaning is a great time to give your paint a new life.

 If the paint is still in good condition, consider using it up. Leftover paint can be perfect for touch-ups or small projects, such as refreshing trim, repainting furniture or adding a quick update to a room. Using what you already have saves money and reduces waste.

If you no longer need the paint, recycling is a convenient option. PaintCare operates a statewide program that allows residents to safely dispose of unwanted paint for free. The program is funded through a small fee included with new paint purchases.

There are more than 210 drop-off sites across Colorado, many located at paint stores, hardware stores and household hazardous waste facilities. In Western Colorado, there are 15 sites across Mesa, Montrose and Delta Counties.

PaintCare accepts latex and oil-based house paint, primers, stains, sealers and clear finishes such as varnish and shellac. No receipt is required, and paint can be dropped off regardless of when or where it was purchased. It’s best to call ahead to confirm hours and ensure the site can accept the type and amount of paint you would like to recycle.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PAINT?

Collected paint is sorted and sent to processing facilities. Usable paint may be remixed into recycled-content products or distributed through reuse programs. Other materials may be used for energy recovery or responsibly disposed of if no other option is available.

Spring cleaning is a good time to rethink how you handle leftover paint. PaintCare encourages three simple steps: buy the right amount, use what you can and recycle the rest.

To learn more or find a nearby drop-off site, visit PaintCare.org/CO