Recycle unused Paint

There is an organization called PaintCare which is an industry sponsored paint stewardship non-profit program established to manage the reuse, recycling and proper disposal of unused architectural paint.

PaintCare makes paint recycling more convenient. They operate paint stewardship programs on behalf of paint manufacturers in states that have passed paint stewardship laws. They collect unwanted, leftover paint - usually at retail stores that also sell paint, because they have regular business hours and convenient locations.

Prior to PaintCare, the best options for residents to recycle or dispose of unwanted paint were government-run household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities and special one-day “round-up” events with limited days, hours and locations. In states with PaintCare, many new paint drop-off locations are established, mostly at paint retailers who volunteer to take back paint. These retailers take back paint during regular business hours making paint recycling and disposal much more convenient for the public.

The program is funded through fees on each container of architectural paint in states with paint stewardship programs at the point of purchase. There is no cost to drop off and/or recycle your paint.

The states that have registered this program to date are: California, Oregon, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Minnesota and Maine.  You can visit http://paintcare.org/locator/ to find a drop off location near you.

Keep Up With The Law

This year’s edition of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) California Contractors License Law & Reference Book is now available for purchase or for free viewing online. The updated publication, totaling just over 1,000 pages, provides easy reference to new and amended construction laws that took effect January 1, 2013.

The License Law & Reference Book’s convenient, all-in-one format continues to provide CSLB’s history and mission, and specialized sections about becoming a licensed contractor; home improvement; business management; construction standards and safety regulations; California’s Business and Professions Code and other construction-related state codes; and complete California Contractors License Law rules and regulations.

“This book is designed as a quick-reference tool to help our state’s 300,000 licensees keep up with continual changes in state contracting law,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “It’s also a great resource for anyone trying to get their state contractor license."

The 2013 law book can only be purchased from the publisher, LexisNexis. This year’s updated law book includes a convenient CD for Windows, and Mac computers. The book costs $25 plus tax, and $9.49 for shipping and handling. Major credit cards are accepted.