establishing the paint product stewardship program.

HB 451 establishes a paint product stewardship program requiring manufacturers of paint sold in New Hampshire to implement a system for collecting and managing postconsumer paint (paint no longer wanted by purchasers). The program would mandate manufacturers to submit plans detailing collection site locations, environmentally sound management practices, and a fee structure added to paint product prices (up to $3.00 per container based on size). Retailers would include these fees in the purchase price of paint, and collection sites would not charge additional fees for paint management. The Department of Environmental Services would oversee the program, with costs covered by fees paid by manufacturers rather than municipalities, which would see reduced costs for paint disposal. The program requires annual reporting on paint recovery, management practices, and program costs, with implementation required by July 1, 2025.