The Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore’s new paint recycling program offers an economical and environment-friendly solution to the community by diverting unwanted, leftover paint from landfills and toxins from the community’s water supply.
So how does the program work? Donations of latex paint will be accepted if it is no older than 5 years; has never been frozen; the cans are at least half-full and not dried up. Once the donated paint is inspected, it’s then separated by interior/exterior and similar colors.
The categorized paint gets filtered into special barrels with industrial mixers and repackaged in Habitat paint cans, each marked with a color sample and unique name. The ReStore sells the recycled and professionally remixed latex paint gallons for just $12 each, which is one-third or easily one-quarter of the price of latex paint in other retail stores.
Mon Valley Habitat Executive Director Shawnda Cook said they got the idea from Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam.
“The program will offer local residents and businesses a resource to responsibly recycle leftover or new latex paint along with raising revenue to assist with constructing Habitat homes,” she said. “Because of the potential impact, our number one goal for the paint recycling program is to increase awareness so we can continue to help make a difference in our local communities.”
The ReStore will host its first Recycled Paint Drive from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at 1825 Earl L. Core Road. There is a color-naming contest going on through Feb. 15. Pay $1 and enter your own unique paint color with a description. The winning ticket that gets pulled will get a $20 ReStore gift card.
The ReStore also takes donations of reusable furniture, appliances, select décor items and building materials. These items are sold at thrift store prices to the general public, using the proceeds to further Habitat for Humanity’s mission and help reduce the community’s carbon footprint. Donations may even be tax deductible.
