Guilford Officials, Malloy Celebrate New Paint Tax At Branford Sherwin-Williams

Tuesday, local state representatives, Branford's First Selectman and Gov. Dannel Malloy celebrated the passage of a new statewide paint tax at a Sherwin-Williams in Branford, saying it will decrease the amount of paint that ends up in Long Island Sound.

The plan taxes gallons of paint at $0.75, or larger quantities at $1.60, to pay for a new statewide paint-recycling program,according to The Branford Eagle. Now, homeowners can drop their leftover paint off at local hardware stores such as Sherwin-Williams, where it will be recycled, according to The Eagle.

At the press conference, Malloy said too many people are pouring their leftover paint down storm water receptacles, and it's winding up in the Long Island Sound. This new plan gives them a place to recycle their paint, and takes the burden off of local municipalities to dispose of it, according to the newspaper. 

Along with Malloy, Rep. Pat Widlitz (D-Branford and Guilford), State Rep. Lonnie Reed (D-Branford), State Sen. Ed Meyer and Branford First Selectman Unk DaRos attended the press conference. To see where you can drop-off leftover paint in Branford to be recycled, click here.