FAQs
Q) Does Community RePaint collect from private houses?
A) In most circumstances Community RePaint schemes will not be able to collect paint from your premises. Please contact your local scheme directly for more information.
Q) Why do we only collect certain types of paint?
A) Community RePaint schemes only collect domestic paint used for general, household painting jobs. No “chemical” or hazardous paints are collected. This is so workers at Community RePaint schemes are not exposed to undue hazards eg, skin irritations and asthmatic or breathing difficulties. Some of the paints may be passed on, for example, to children’s nurseries, schools or playgroups and this will avoid children being exposed to harmful substances.
There are also complex rules and regulations for the handling and storage of hazardous materials for Community RePaint schemes. Disposal of hazardous materials can also be very expensive.
Q) Is all the donated paint mixed together into a horrible brown colour?
A) No! Donated paint is generally kept in its original container to be taken away by “customers” and not mixed or blended. Occasionally, some schemes may “bulk up” certain paints of the same type and manufacturer in order to save storage space. They may also, very occasionally, mix the odd tin of paint to make up a requested colour (but do NOT expect a full mixing service).
Q) Will schemes accept partially-full containers or containers with only a bit of paint left in?
A) Community RePaint schemes collect “half” or partially full tins from members of the public at specified donation points. They will not accept containers approximately less than a third full and these should be disposed of at a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) with facilities to accept liquid/hazardous wastes. Find out more information from your Local Authority.
Q) Can I put my unwanted paint in the bin?
A) Firstly, check to see if there is a Community RePaint donation facility in your area where the paint can be donated for reuse.
Unwanted paint can be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) if it is licensed to accept hazardous waste. Some Local Authorities will collect hazardous waste, including paint, from private households. For more information on these facilities, contact your Local Authority.
When paint is put in a dustbin, it can cause considerable damage and mess to waste collection facilities so this should be avoided at all cost. If the paint is completely dried up it is acceptable to place it in a dustbin. Paint should never be poured directly into a sink or down the drain or sewer.
Q) What can I do with my unwanted reusable paint if there isn't a Community RePaint scheme in my area?
A) If there is not a nearby Community RePaint scheme, consider whether you can donate the paint for reuse to a local community, charity, youth or church group, art college, sports club, neighbour, colleague or friend. There may be others who will be glad of the paint.
If you have a large amount of reasonable quality paint you could advertise it on Freecycle. The local probation service may be able to use it for community refurbishment projects undertaken by offenders.
If you are unable to find someone else who can reuse the paint, disposal may be your final option. For disposal options, please see the answer above.
Q) Where can I get paint for a project if there isn't a Community RePaint scheme in my area?
A) Resource Futures is working hard to extend the number of Community RePaint schemes. Unfortunately, at present, the network does not cover all areas. If you are not close to one of our schemes, you might try contacting DIY retailers such as Homebase, Focus, Wickes or Wilkinsons or local decorating suppliers as they may have end-of-line or damaged tins of paint to donate.
B&Q run a 'Waste Donation Scheme' through which they offer a range of end-of-line materials, including paint to community, voluntary groups and charities. See their website for more information.
Additionally, trade centres such as Dulux Decorator Centres and Johnstone's Leyland Decorating Centres may also have surplus paint. Local painters and decorators often have paint leftover from painting jobs. Some supermarkets also sell paint and may have surplus paint available and even some Laura Ashley and Next stores sell paint.
All or any of these companies are worth approaching. It is worth sending a thank you letter afterwards with photos of your building/project being redecorated (electronic photos are ideal) as many companies may wish to use these in staff newsletters, etc. If you are able to build a good relationship with a company, they may be able to supply other materials to you at a later date.
Q) I don't have a car, how can I donate paint?
A) If you don’t have a car you may be able to ask a friend, relative, neighbour or colleague to assist you in taking paint to a donation point.
Unfortunately, Community RePaint schemes often have limited funds and staff time so are unable to carry out collections from private households. (If you have quite a large amount of paint to donate, your local scheme may be able to consider a one-off collection and you should contact them directly to discuss this).
Otherwise please see the answer above to “What can I do with my unwanted reusable paint if there isn't a Community RePaint scheme in my area?” for alternative donation ideas.
If all other options above are unsuccessful, you will have to contact your Local Authority to request that they collect your paint for disposal from your home.
