Recycled Latex Paint

Recycled latex paint is becoming increasingly familiar to both public and private entities statewide. With its price and quality, recycled latex paint has been specified and applied successfully in both local and state government projects.

Recycled latex paint is made primarily with leftover but unused latex paint that has been brought to local household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities by residents, painting contractors and other paint users. The collected paint is visually checked for quality and then sent to paint manufacturers for recycling.

• Price. Recycled paint's lower prices — savings of up to 50% compared to non-recycled paints on the state contract — can translate to big cost reductions for your paint jobs.
  
  
• Recycled content. Recycled latex paint is made from unused latex paint collected from households, government, businesses and painting contractors. New materials are added to improve the paint's consistency and make standard colors. Recycled latex paints on the Minnesota state contract are made with 20–80% recycled content.
  
  
• Manufacture. Recycled latex paint is made using standard paint processing equipment. Testing ensures performance: Recycled paint runs through the same quality tests that are used in the manufacture of new, non-recycled paint.
  
  
• Application. No special equipment is needed. Recycled latex paint is applied using all conventional painting methods — spray, brush or roller. Use it anywhere you might use non-recycled. Recycled performs on a wide range of surfaces — gypsum wallboard, wood, stucco and concrete.
  
  
• Proven performance. Several successful demonstration projects around Minnesota have showcased recycled paint, proving that it is a recycled product that performs. Recycled paint is gaining acceptance among painters, contractors, architects, designers and building owners in both private and government sectors.
  
  

Recycling latex paint

Recycling used paint reduces government costs.

• Leftover latex paint is a disposal problem for local governments in Minnesota. It is one of the largest-volume items collected by city and county household hazardous waste (HHW) programs.
• Leftover paint is typically still a usable product. Recycling this paint locally is cheaper than shipping it off for disposal as a hazardous waste.
• In manufacturing, using post-consumer paint reduces the energy consumption and pollution of paint production. It also assures that a usable product is diverted from the waste stream.

By purchasing recycled paint, buyers and contractors are doing their part to help reduce government costs. Recycled latex paint is up to 50% cheaper than non-recycled paint. Plus, by supporting local recyclers and paint manufacturers, you ensure that this market will be available as a low-cost disposal option.

Minnesota's State Contract

The Minnesota state contract for recycled latex paint specifies two grades — reprocessed or reblended — defined by the number of tests the paint receives and the amount of recycled materials it contains. Both grades of recycled latex paint on the state contract are less expensive than the non-recycled brands — savings can be as high as 50 percent! The state contract has been extended through June 2003.

Members of the Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV) can view the recycled paint contract on the Department of Administration's Web site. The contract number for paint is P-861(5).

If you want to learn more about the CPV, call 651-297-2683 or visit www.mmd.admin.state.mn.us/cpv2.htm.

Reprocessed paint: RenewWall™ (Hirshfield's Paint Manufacturing, Minneapolis)

Hirshfield's won the Minnesota state contract for reprocessed paint. The contract specifies that reprocessed paint must contain a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled content material and undergoes extensive testing to ensure performance that matches or exceeds non-recycled paints of the same grade.

Characteristics of reprocessed latex paint

• Cost. Average savings of 11%, compared to its non-recycled equivalent.
• Performance. Hirshfield's recommends reprocessed paint for use as an interior primer and block filler, although it can be used on all of the same surfaces as non-recycled latex paint, including gypsum wallboard, wood, stucco and concrete.
• Quality. To assure a quality product, reprocessed paint is put through 11 separate tests, including the 7 standard procedures for non-recycled latex paints.
  

Reblended paint: Amazon Select™ (Amazon Environmental, Roseville)

The state contract for reblended paint was awarded to Amazon Environmental, Inc. With a minimum of 80% recycled content, reblended paints on state contract are much less expensive than non-recycled, while still adhering to testing standards that ensure a quality paint.

Characteristics of reblended latex paint

• Cost. Average savings of 44%, compared to its non-recycled equivalent. Price is affected by color choice and volume purchased.
• Performance. Reblended paint is recommended for both interior and exterior applications on any surface that non-recycled latex paint can be used. With its excellent price and quality, reblended paint is often used on projects where a large amount of paint is needed, such as warehouse spaces and graffiti abatement.
• Quality. The state contract sets standards to ensure a quality end product. Reblended paint is run through 5 tests and may have additional materials such as biocides and preservatives added.
  

SWMCB Resolution on the Purchase of Recycled Content Paint

Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties

In April 2001, Metropolitan Area counties passed a resolution encouraging Minnesota counties, cities, state and other jurisdictions to begin using or increase the use of recycled content paint for government projects.

The resolution asks each participating SWMCB county to incorporate into their contract specifications a requirement and waiver provision that recycled paint be used rather than virgin paint on county construction and renovation projects.

Adopted by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board on April 25, 2001.

Model specifications for recycled paint

Specifications help assure high performance and quality products. The state of Minnesota helped develop these specs for reprocessed and reblended latex paint that can that can be incorporated into construction documents. These specifications are tailored to the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) format, which includes three sections: General, Products and Execution.

Many users will find the provisions of the full specification relevant. However, users may use just part of the specification, depending on the nature the project (new construction, maintenance or remodeling), budget, architect/designers preferences, and the needs of the end-user or building owner.

CSI 09910: Reprocessed Post-consumer Latex Paint

CSI 09912: Reblended Post-consumer Latex Paint

Success Story: McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota

In 1999, approximately 2,100 gallons of reprocessed latex paint were used to cover 90 percent of the painted surfaces of the university's new, six-floor building. Reprocessed paint was applied on gypsum drywall in office spaces, conference rooms and hallways. When asked about performance, the painting sub-contractors (Swanson & Youngdale) and the university's facility manager said that the reprocessed paint was equal to virgin paint.

The feedstock for the reprocessed paint was collected in a unique, one-day collection of latex paint from local painting contractors. Hirshfields Paint Mfg Inc. used 700 gallons of the collected paint to mix up 2,100 gallons of reprocessed paint. The final product, latex paint with a flat finish, had a post-consumer recycled content of about 30 percent.

Success Story: Hennepin County Public Works Facility

In this 1997 project, Hennepin County used reprocessed paint on 60 percent of the painted surfaces of their new public works facility in Medina, Minn. They applied 750 gallons of reprocessed latex paint to the gypsum drywall and concrete wall surfaces in conference rooms, office work spaces and in the vehicle maintenance areas. Roughly 1200 gallons of reprocessed paint were used in all.

This pilot project was the first project in Minnesota to test recycling residential latex paint using a local virgin paint manufacturer. Hennepin County Environmental Services partnered with Hirshfield's Paint Mfg. Inc., to reprocess post-consumer latex paint collected through the county's household hazardous waste collection programs. Reprocessing latex paint was an opportunity to recycle waste paint back into its original form, and was actually a less expensive alternative for county facilities.

Cost.  By using reprocessed paint, Hennepin County was able to save $3-5 per gallon versus a comparable new paint.

Application.  The reprocessed paint was applied by brush, roller and airless sprayer. According to Bob Swanson, president of Swanson and Youngdale, "These products performed comparable to virgin paint products. This product showed that the coverage and viscosity of the recycled products are comparable to virgin latex paint."

Specification.  Architectural Alliance and partners agreed to specify recycled paint for this project, but no formal documentation was prepared by the architect, Architectural Alliance. Hennepin County agreed to take on the liability cost for this project in the case that the product was unable to perform to that of virgin paint.

Project contacts

• Architect/Interior Decorator:  Architectural Alliance -- Peter Schroeder, 612-874-4157
• General Contractor: Knutson Construction Services -- Arnie Grismer, 612-546-1400
• Painting Contractor: Swanson & Youngdale -- Bob Swanson, 612-545-2541
• Hennepin County -- Paul Kroening, 612-348-6358
• Paint Vendor: Hirshfield's Paint Mfg. Inc. -- Mark Uglem, 612-522-6621

Success Story: St. Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium

On Earth Day 1999, the St. Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium (NEC) opened their doors to the public, showcasing green design in their new offices in St. Paul, Minn. The NEC chose to use reprocessed paint because it fit their selection criteria for building materials, promoting reuse and waste reduction while demonstrating sustainable product alternatives to commercial builders. They used 45 gallons of reprocessed paint on gypsum drywall in their office spaces.

Application.  The reprocessed paint was applied by brush, roller and airless sprayer. The NEC's director, Anne Hunt, commented, "The NEC would use recycled paint in other applications. It covered well and has touched up nicely."

Particular attention was paid to the indoor environment and how building materials would affect the health of building occupants. "The building occupants have had minimal reactions to off-gassing from recycled paint. After 2 months in the building, this odor appears to be gone. None of the occupants in the building have had adverse reactions to recycled paint," said Hunt.

Cost.  The NEC saved 33% on material cost by purchasing recycled paint. They also appreciated the fact that the paint was manufactured locally. In the words of Anne Hunt, "This not only supports local businesses, but also reduces the environmental costs of transporting materials over long distances."

Specification.  A new materials specification for recycled paint was developed by LHB Engineers & Architects. Specification language was revised to include recycled paint in the architect's construction documents. The language was amended to include "recycled paint" for use in the NEC's office space.

Lessons learned.  A key for the project was showing the quality of recycled paint before it was used. Generally, construction professionals guarantee their work, and may be hesitant to use a new product with unfamiliar outcomes. Both the general contractor and the paint contractor were shown a side-by-side draw down of recycled paint versus virgin paint. When contractors saw the quality of the recycled paint, it eased their concerns about performance and moved the project forward.

Project contacts

• Architect/Interior Decorator: LHB Engineers & Architects -- Rachelle Schoessler Lynn, 612-338-2029
• General Contractor: Flannery Construction -- Ken Hinz, 651-225-1105
• Painting Contractor: Professional Painting -- John O'Donnell, 612-867-4051
• St. Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium -- Anne Hunt, Director, 651-222-7678
• Paint Vendor: Hirshfield's Paint Mfg., Inc. -- Mark Uglem, 612-522-6621

Other Resources

• California Integrated Waste Management Board
    The CIWMB offers information on the benefits of recycling latex paint and buying the resulting recycled product. They offer some details about their state contract, as well as a list of manufacturers.

• Green Seal/Aberdeen Proving Ground study: Environmentally Preferable Paints Minimize Harm, Maximize Savings (April 1999)
    This study sought to identify and recommend environmentally preferable architectural and anticorrosive latex paints for use at the Aberdeen post. The study began with a list of more than 2,200 paints that were reviewed against comprehensive environmental standards set by Green Seal and adopted by APG as well as APG's own environmental standards. They found brands from 13 manufacturers in a variety of finishes that cause the least harm to the environment and cost an average $1.76 per gallon less than nonpreferable paints.

• Green Seal: Choose Green Report: Architectural Paints | Dec. 1999 (425Kb)
    An overview of architectural paints and their potential to cause both health and environmental impacts. (Provided here for download with permission from Green Seal: www.greenseal.org or 202-872-6400.)
  

• King County (Washington): Environmental Purchasing Program
    King County's site offers pages on recycled paint and the more broadly defined Environmentally Responsible (Green) Paint Options. They include product experience case studies and general information.

• Massachusetts Environmentally Preferable Products Procurement Program
    Massachusetts makes its case for recycled paint. Includes a link to their state contract.

• Minnesota Latex Paint Solutions Task Force: Final Report
    In 1999, the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB) and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) established a task force to develop an approach to the management of waste latex paint. Monthly meetings went from April 1999 through February 2000. The task force had two goals: (1) Reduce the amount of waste latex paint generated by residents; (2) Ensure that the parties who have the role of designing, producing, selling or using latex paint will assume responsibility for the costs of managing and recycling waste latex paint. Meeting topics included public education, paint collection, paint processing and management, and markets for recycled paint.

• Protocol for Management of Post Consumer Paint
    The National Paint & Coatings Association wants to ensure that leftover latex paint be handled in environmentally responsible ways. They offer this management protocol to offer household waste program managers several options for achieving cost-effective, environmentally friendly results. The site offers information, materials and an online "toolkit" for consumer education regarding leftover paint issues.

• U.S. EPA: Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines
    EPA's recommendations for reprocessed and consolidated (reblended) latex paints.

Last update September 2002