SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The new statewide paint recycling program is off to a strong start with 60,000 gallons of paint collected from houses and businesses in the first two months.
The Paint Stewardship Act was passed and signed into law in 2024, and there are now 345 designated collection centers at popular paint stores across the state.
At least 90% of Illinois residents will have a collection site, service, or event within a 15-mile radius of their home free of charge.
"Not only is this good for the environment, not only is this good for the paint manufacturers, this is a win-win for everybody," said Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).
PaintCare leaders told reporters in Springfield Tuesday that the program is also helping bring more customers into retail stores at a time when many people are choosing to buy products online. The American Coatings Association estimates the new Illinois program will manage nearly 1 million gallons of leftover paint in its first year.
"The remarkable turnout and enthusiastic support from local leaders today confirmed what we already knew — Illinois was more than ready for this program," said American Coatings Association CEO Michael Johnson. "The collection numbers speak for themselves and serve as a strong indicator that the program is working, scaling effectively and meeting a significant need in communities statewide."
You can find Illinois paint drop-off locations by clicking here or calling PaintCare's hotline at 855-PAINT09.
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
