LEWISTON — The Lewiston Public Works Department is informing residents that the state of Maine has adopted The Stewardship Program for Architectural Paint. As a result, Maine has approved the application of “Paint Care,” a nonprofit organization established by paint manufactures to plan and operate paint take-back programs in states that have passed paint stewardship laws.

Consumers now may dispose of the following paints at no-cost through the take-back program: interior/exterior house paints — latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based and enamel paints; deck coatings and floor paints; primers, sealers and under-coaters; stains; shellacs, lacquers, varnishes and urethanes (single component); waterproofing concrete/masonry/wood sealers (not tar or bitumen-based); metal coating and rust preventatives; and filed and lawn paint.

These unwanted paints will be accepted in Lewiston at Sherwin-Williams on 1168 Lisbon St. Residents should call ahead at 207-784-2939.

Environmental Projects Inc. at 424 River Road and 664 Washington St. is also accepting the paint. Consumers should call 207-786-7390.

These locations will accept these paints at no charge. Limits may apply, such as on containers larger than 5 gallons or containers without labels.

The following pants do not qualify under Maine’s Paint Stewardship Program but have to be disposed of properly in compliance with state and federal laws: paint thinners, mineral spirits and solvents; aerosol paints (spray paint); auto and marine paint; art and craft paint; caulking compounds, epoxies, glues and adhesives; paint additives, colorants, tints and resins; wood preservatives that contain pesticides; roof patch and repair; asphalt, tar and bitumen-based products; two-component coatings; deck cleaners; traffic and road-marking paints; industrial maintenance coatings; and original equipment manufacture paints and finishes.

These listed paints, coatings and solvents can be disposed through EPI or other hazardous waste disposal firms. Residents should call EPI at 207-786-7390 for pricing and information about their waste disposal services.