The Architectural Paint Stewardship Act requires producers of architectural paint in New Jersey to either implement or participate in a stewardship program designed for the environmentally responsible disposal of post-consumer paint. Producers must submit a comprehensive stewardship plan to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection within one year of the bill's enactment. This plan should facilitate convenient statewide collection of leftover paint, reduce public sector involvement, and comply with federal waste management guidelines. It must also include educational outreach to inform consumers about the program and its costs.

To finance the stewardship program, producers are mandated to include a paint stewardship assessment in the sale price of architectural paint. The bill prohibits the sale of architectural paint unless the producer is part of an approved stewardship program, with penalties for violations ranging from warnings to fines. The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for overseeing the program's implementation, ensuring compliance, and taking legal action against violators. Additionally, the bill provides antitrust protections for participating producers, with specific exceptions regarding pricing agreements and production restrictions.