In March 1994, Metro began accepting small quantities of latex paint from commercial sources. Metro and The Wherehouse collected paint at drop-off facilities. Burlington's paint recovery was through field collection events. Secondary Users Most reprocessed paint is used for surface applications, with the balance being used as primer. Most is reprocessed for exterior use, with a small percentage reprocessed for interior use.
Recovered paint is sorted to yield different grades of basestocks for optimum marketability.
Light-colored interior surface paint is the most marketable grade but it is also the most difficult to produce from recovered material. Primary Recycling Process Metro, Burlington and The Wherehouse use essentially the same sorting process. Metro sorts for a wider range of colors than Burlington and The Wherehouse. Based on observable characteristics, latex paint is sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable fractions. Old, sour or gloppy paint is rejected, as are colors, brands and types that typically contain lead or mercury.