Recycling efforts take hold
Business First of Buffalo

Nearly 1,000 gallons of paint, donated by the public during hazardous waste collections, have been recycled and distributed to nonprofit organizations through a program by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

In 2005, the first year of the DEC's Environmental Benefit Project policy, 975 gallons of recycled paint were used by six groups for building renovation and rehabilitation. The project allows qualifying business to fund community projects in partial mitigation of penalties.

The donated paint was treated by Morgan Materials Inc. of Vulcan Street as part of a settlement with the state regarding violations of various hazardous waster management rules.

Organizations that received recycled latex paint last year were:
  • Habitat for Humanity, 135 gallons for the interior of two homes in Buffalo
  • Erie County Parks Department, 100 gallons for the county barns
  • City of Buffalo, 570 gallons for city hall interior halls and offices, panels for boards placed on abandoned properties, Kensington High School, the Food Bank of Buffalo and other projects
  • Mayor's Impact Team, 5 gallons to cover graffiti
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo, 100 gallons for interior of club facilities
  • Buffalo PAL, 40 gallons for Kensington-Bailey Community Center halls and locker rooms

The DEC will conduct a hazardous waste collection day for latex paint from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 6 at GM Powertrain on Vulcan Street.

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