Raea Jean Leinster: Eco-Innovator and Founder
Address:
7361-M Lockport PlaceLorton, Lorton, Virginia, United States
Description:
Biography of Raea Jean Leinster: Eco-Innovator and Founder of Yuck Old Paint in Lorton, VA
Raea Jean Leinster, the visionary Chief Yuck Officer and founder of Yuck Old Paint, is a trailblazer in eco-friendly paint disposal and reuse, based in Lorton, Virginia. With a mission to keep unwanted paint out of landfills, Raea has transformed an unmet market need into a thriving business that serves homeowners, businesses, military bases, and municipalities across nine states. Operating from 7361-M Lockport Place, Lorton, VA 22079, Yuck Old Paint offers a convenient, sustainable solution for disposing of old, leftover, and unused paint cans. Contact Raea at yuckoldpaint@gmail.com (mailto:yuckoldpaint@gmail.com) or 201-522-1004 to schedule a pickup and contribute to a greener planet.
Early Life and Education
Raea Jean Leinster’s unconventional path to becoming a green entrepreneur began with a diverse academic foundation. A 1992 graduate of George Mason University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Area Studies with a minor in Czech, initially aiming for a career in intelligence or diplomacy with agencies like the NSA, CIA, or State Department. Her time studying in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, during the late 1980s and early 1990s, just before the Soviet Union’s collapse, deepened her global perspective and adaptability—skills that later shaped her entrepreneurial ventures.
Raea’s creative side led her to pursue a career as a concert violinist, performing with orchestras and honing her discipline and artistry. She later transitioned into faux finishing and decorative painting, specializing in Italian and French techniques, with high-profile clients like the Washington National Cathedral and hockey star Alexander Ovechkin. This artistic work exposed her to the challenge of managing leftover paint, inspiring the creation of Yuck Old Paint. While no formal environmental science degree is documented, Raea’s self-directed learning and industry experience in waste management and sustainability have equipped her to lead a nationally recognized eco-service.
Career History
Raea Jean Leinster’s career is a testament to her ability to pivot and innovate. Before founding Yuck Old Paint in 2014, she spent over a decade as a decorative painter, where she repeatedly encountered clients struggling to dispose of old paint cans responsibly. Recognizing an unmet need, Raea launched Yuck Old Paint as a “side hustle” without a formal business plan, initially expecting to serve a handful of local households. To her surprise, the eco-friendly service gained traction, particularly among commercial clients, leading her to run the business full-time.
Today, Yuck Old Paint operates in nine states, employs 18 staff members, and has diverted thousands of gallons of paint from landfills. The company serves a diverse client base, including homeowners, homeowners associations (HOAs), commercial builders, federal agencies, military bases, and stadiums like Nationals Park. Raea’s innovative approach has earned accolades, including the National Facilities Management & Technology Association Vision Award (2021) and the Women in Business Initiative (WIBI) Business of the Year (2021). Her leadership extends to speaking engagements at national waste management, recycling, and sustainability conferences, where she shares insights on landfill diversion and environmental stewardship.
Raea’s success in the male-dominated waste management industry is notable, drawing parallels to her experience as a semi-pro poker player, where she navigates competitive environments with confidence. Mentorship from figures like Margo Bartsch of MCI Telecommunications has been instrumental in shaping her leadership mindset. Her role on the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors further demonstrates her commitment to community and industry leadership.
Product and Service Offerings
Yuck Old Paint, under Raea Jean Leinster’s leadership, provides a unique Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) solution for disposing of old, leftover, used, unused, or unwanted paint cans. Unlike traditional waste management, the company prioritizes reuse and recycling to minimize environmental impact. Key services include:
Paint Can Pickup and Disposal
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Residential Pickup: Convenient removal of paint cans from homes, with an average pickup of 25.2 gallons per household, for a $50 base fee plus $5 per container (quart, gallon, or five-gallon bucket).
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Commercial and Institutional Pickup: Tailored services for businesses, HOAs, military bases, federal agencies, hotels, and stadiums, handling large-scale paint stockpiles.
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Hazardous Chemical Collection: Safe disposal of hazardous chemicals included during paid paint pickups, adhering to Virginia regulations.
Paint Reuse and Recycling
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Paint Brokerage: Approximately 75% of collected paint is redistributed to theater groups (e.g., in New York City), charity construction projects, and licensed contractors, giving usable paint a second life.
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Solidification Process: Non-reusable paint is cured into solid waste using a proprietary method, ensuring safe disposal in compliance with Virginia environmental standards.
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Landfill Diversion: Keeping nearly 2,000 gallons of paint out of landfills, contributing to sustainability goals for clients like the B. F. Saul Company Hospitality Group.
Eco-Friendly Solutions
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ESG Compliance: Helping organizations meet sustainability targets by reducing waste and promoting reuse, ideal for municipalities, HOAs, and corporate clients.
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Export Opportunities: Shipping reusable paint overseas, primarily to Africa, where it supports community development projects.
Yuck Old Paint’s services are accessible via an online scheduling form or by calling 888-509-YUCK (9825), ensuring a seamless experience for clients. The company’s team, including Waste Diversion Specialists like Daniel S. and Howard D., and Richmond Operations Manager Kim R., supports Raea’s vision of environmental responsibility.
Value Proposition
Raea Jean Leinster and Yuck Old Paint offer a compelling value proposition in the environmental services industry:
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Eco-Friendly Innovation: By prioritizing reuse and recycling, Yuck Old Paint diverts 75% of collected paint from landfills, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional disposal.
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Convenient Service: The hassle-free pickup process eliminates the need for clients to transport paint to drop-off centers, saving time and effort, especially for commercial users.
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Broad Impact: Operating in nine states and serving diverse clients, from homeowners to federal agencies, Yuck Old Paint delivers scalable solutions with measurable environmental benefits.
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Trusted Leadership: Raea’s expertise, industry recognition, and community involvement ensure clients partner with a credible, forward-thinking company.
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Customer Satisfaction: Positive testimonials, such as those from clients like Patrick Keenan and Baltimore Fishbowl readers, highlight Yuck Old Paint’s professionalism and ease of service.
Community Involvement and Commitment
Raea Jean Leinster is deeply engaged in the Lorton and Northern Virginia community, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and economic growth. As a board member of the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce, she advocates for business innovation and environmental responsibility. Yuck Old Paint’s participation in the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program underscores its dedication to hiring and supporting veterans, as highlighted in a Fairfax County EDA event. Raea also contributes to community education, speaking at events like the Positive Aging SourceBook series to promote eco-friendly paint disposal among seniors and homeowners. Her work with local theater groups and charity projects further strengthens community ties, ensuring paint benefits those in need.
Why Choose Raea Jean Leinster and Yuck Old Paint?
For homeowners, businesses, and organizations in Lorton, Virginia, and beyond seeking an eco-friendly solution for old paint disposal, Raea Jean Leinster and Yuck Old Paint are the trusted choice. Raea’s innovative leadership, combined with Yuck Old Paint’s proven track record of diverting thousands of gallons of paint from landfills, ensures sustainable, hassle-free service. Whether you’re clearing out a garage, managing a commercial property, or meeting ESG goals, Yuck Old Paint delivers results that benefit both clients and the planet.
To schedule a paint pickup or learn more about Yuck Old Paint’s services, contact Raea Jean Leinster at yuckoldpaint@gmail.com or 201-522-1004, or visit 7361-M Lockport Place, Lorton, VA 22079. Explore yuckoldpaint.com for scheduling and sustainability insights. Join Raea in painting a greener future with Yuck Old Paint today.
