As one of the world’s largest hardware outlets, Ace Hardware is recognized for selling everything related to tools, materials, and much more for every project. You may get the goods and supplies in their physical shops or over the internet at their website.
If you are a frequent buyer of paints, tools, or other supplies at Ace Hardware, you may wonder if they take old or used paint to dispose of or recycle it. Here’s what I found out…
Ace Hardware does not have an inbuilt organized system to recycle old paint. Still, they do have a process to recycle or properly dispose of it through PaintCare or other third-party companies that used to operate inside some stores.
Just make sure the old paint cans and paint materials you plan to drop off there are labeled properly and are not leaking.
You can take your old paint to the Ace Hardware store near you and check if they have the associate drop off the paint at the PaintCare site. If not, they will help you find the best way to dispose of your paint according to the law.
What's Covered in the Article:
Does Ace Hardware Recycle Old Paint for Free?
No, generally, a small fee does apply at Ace Hardware when they take old used paint (both latex and oil-based) for disposal or recycling.
And based on your location, the fees, as well as policies, might differ. So, it’s best to check with your local store by calling or visiting their store personally.
Also, keep in mind that there are a few restrictions in place for customers who want to drop off and recycle their old paint (or other items) at Ace Hardware.
The maximum limit for dropping off the old oil-based or water-based paint is three cans max per day or one 5-gallon bucket per customer (space permitting).
How Does the Process Work?
PaintCare is a non-profit program created to manage paint waste and recycle leftover paint in the United States.
Ace Hardware, True Value, Sherwin-Williams, and a few other companies partnered with PaintCare in some states to provide proper paint disposal for their customers at a small fee.
Some Ace Hardware stores also provide paint recycling services via ePaint and EarthPaint, which also include a small price.
- The recycling process starts when a customer brings in their unwanted, leftover paint to an Ace Hardware participating store.
- Then, a PaintCare-trained employee will take the paint, properly label it, and prepare it for recycling.
- After that, the paint will be picked up from the store by PaintCare and taken to a paint recycling facility.
The final step is when the recycled paint is turned into new products, like other lower-quality paints or coatings that can be used for projects such as road markings, steel production, and more.
What Other Items Does Ace Hardware Recycle Besides Paint?
Besides different types of paints and coatings, you may recycle batteries and lightbulbs at the front desk of Ace Hardware.
That said, some Ace Hardware locations only recycle certain types of batteries, which generally include dry cell household batteries, rechargeable batteries, and cell phone batteries. These batteries include AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, and button-sized batteries.
Most Ace Hardware locations would not accept lead-acid batteries, so it’s better to check with your local store on their battery recycling policy before bringing them in.
On the other hand, lightbulbs, CFLs, or fluorescent tubes are commonly accepted for recycling at Ace Hardware as long as they’re not broken. For bulbs, they can accept a maximum of five bulbs and/or three additional tubes (up to 8ft long) a day per person.
What Brand of Paint Does Ace Hardware Carry – If I Want to Buy New?
Ace Hardware has a large inventory of premium interior and exterior paint products manufactured by brands like Benjamin Moore, Magnolia, and Rust-Oleum.
According to the company, Benjamin Moore also manufactures Clark+Kensington® and Royal®, which are Ace Hardware’s private-label paint brands.
These paints (for walls, furniture, metal, plastic, glass, etc.) are available in different finishes (like semi-gloss, low luster, satin, and eggshell).
You can browse through their selection of specialty paints and colors online or visit a store near you to get more information on pricing and for getting any help to choose the right type of canned or spray paint for your home improvement project.
What about other paint supplies, samples, and tools?
Yes, Ace Hardware have you covered!
Not only paints, but you can also find various kinds of primers, wood stains, waterproofing & sealers, paint thinners & cleaners, caulks & sealants, ladders & scaffolding, sandpaper & abrasives, drop cloths & plastic sheeting, painter’s tools, tape, glue & adhesives and more.
They also have a variety of samples and tints from different brand suppliers, such as Benjamin Moore, Clark+Kensington, and Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines.
You can get them in varied finishes at prices ranging from $5.99 to $11.99.
On their website acehardware.com, they also have many how-to guides and videos on topics related to painting. These can be helpful for DIYers, professionals, or if you are just a beginner.
Can I Return the Paints to Ace Hardware if I am Not Happy- What Does Their Policy State?
You cannot return Magnolia Home Paint Products unless it’s damaged or faulty since they are custom-made.
But for other paints that are not mixed or personalized according to your needs, most Ace Hardware stores should accept returns within 30 days as long as you have the original receipt and the paint product is unopened, unused, and in good condition.
To get a full monetary refund, you may need to present a valid photo I.D.
If you do not have a valid purchase receipt or try to make a return after 30 days, you may be denied for returning the products. But some stores might still accept the return, where you will most likely be given store credit for the amount of the purchase (with shipping and handling charges deducted if applicable).
To return the products at the Ace Hardware store, you must visit their customer service desk or contact Customer Care at 888-827-4223 for assistance if there is no Ace Hardware store close to you.
You can also ship and return your goods to Ace Hardware, but you will be responsible for the return shipping costs unless you received the wrong product or a damaged one.
Depending on the payment type and location, refunds at Ace Hardware may take 3 to 5 days to process.
Related FAQs
Does Ace Hardware sell old recycling products?
While they focus on facilitating the recycling process of paint, batteries, and lightbulbs within their stores, Ace Hardware might sell a range of recycling products at their different locations as long as it’s legal and safe to do so.
To find out what kinds of products are available for purchase, it’s best to contact or visit your local Ace Hardware store.
What items can I not return to Ace Hardware even if I have a receipt?
Ace Hardware gift cards cannot be refunded after purchase. Then there are clearance items or items that have been purchased damaged at low cost. You cannot return those to Ace Hardware.
Used or unused Gas-powered equipment may also not be returned to Ace Hardware, even if you remove the gas or oil that was put inside. You will need to contact the manufacturer to process a return on these goods.
Also, if you want to return hazardous materials or other related products that use hazardous chemicals, you can do it at your local Ace Hardware store near you.
How can I file a complaint to Ace Hardware about their service or products?
If you are not satisfied with any products you purchased or services offered by Ace Hardware, you can call customer care at 1 (888) 827-4223 or fill up their online complaint form via the customer care contact form.
Alternatively, you can complain via email to carecenter@acehardware.com or through their social media channels on Facebook and Twitter.
In your complaint, ensure to include the following:
- Your name, address, phone number, and email address
- Your Ace Hardware store location
- The date of your purchase
- A description of the problem
- The receipt or order number (if you have it)
If you have a picture or video of the problem, that would be helpful as well. Ace Hardware will investigate your claim and get back to you within 3-5 business days.
The bottom line
Ace Hardware’s commitment to the environment is evident in its actions to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The company is also sustainable and aims to be a zero-waste company in the near future.
While they do not have a specific program to recycle paint, they do allow customers to bring in old paint that can be recycled responsibly via third-party services. But remember that there are some restrictions in place per customer, so ensure that you check the same before proceeding.
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Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for over a decade serving customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, and Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.
