Bill > S2052

This bill establishes a paint stewardship program in Massachusetts, requiring manufacturers or their designated organizations to develop and implement plans for managing leftover architectural paint, which is defined as interior and exterior coatings sold in containers of five gallons or less, excluding industrial or specialty coatings. The program aims to reduce waste by promoting reuse and recycling, and ensuring convenient statewide collection of postconsumer paint, meaning paint that is no longer wanted by a purchaser. Producers will fund this program through a "paint stewardship assessment," a fee added to the purchase price of architectural paint, which must be audited to ensure it covers only program costs. The Department of Environmental Protection will oversee and approve these plans, which must detail educational outreach, coordination with existing waste management, collection site accessibility (at least one site within 15 miles for 90% of residents and one in each municipality over 50,000 population), and reporting on collection and disposal methods. Retailers are responsible for adding the assessment to the sale price, and producers and retailers must ensure an approved program is in place before selling paint. The bill also outlines deadlines for plan submission, program implementation, and the first annual report.