Unfortunately paint is one of the few items that cannot be disposed of in a skip. Due to the composite substances it is considered a hazardous material, meaning you can’t just include it with your other household waste or throw it away using other traditional means. Instead, many people choose not to throw it away at all, instead storing paint cans in a shed or loft in-case they might be needed – with many cans never being used again. This is very inefficient and a huge waste, especially when your paint can go to great use elsewhere. Community RePaint schemes One of the best ways that you can dispose of your paint is to donate it to your local Community RePaint scheme. First started in 1992, the scheme was created to stop the needless build-up of leftover paint and instead put it to good use. They take paint donated to them by members of the public when they no longer have a need for it and re-distribute it to individuals, families communities and charities in need. The paint is then used to improve the well-being of people and the appearance of homes and other locations across the UK. How much paint do we waste? According to research performed by Community RePaint, in conjunction with Dulux, they found that 42 million litres of paint was being disposed of at household recycling centres every year and 28 million litres of it was in a re-useable condition. Martin Pearse, network manager for Community RePaint, said the following in Skip Hire Magazine – “There’s a huge surplus of paint from the retail trade and painters and decorators. That’s a lot of paint that can be reused each year.†Other methods of disposal Other than Community RePaint schemes there are other ways you can dispose of your paint. There are local household recycling centres, but not all councils in the UK will allow this. Here are some other ways to dispose of paint.
- Pass it on: The best way to make sure that paint is used up is to gift it to someone else. If you have too much left over at the end of your project see if your friends, neighbours or relatives are planning any redecorating.
- Solidify it: If there is no one to give your paint to the safest and most efficient way to dispose of it is to dry the paint out and solidify it. If you have a small amount of paint left you can put the paint can outside, leave the lid off, and fill the paint with sawdust. Once the paint is completely dry, put the lid back on and dispose of as normal. Edit: Mike Mellers of Broadbent Centrifuges has been in touch to let us know that cat litter is a more available alternative for soaking up excess paint. Thanks Mike!
- Finish it off yourself: If you have a small amount of paint you can always use up the last of the paint yourself. Rather than letting the paint go to waste you may as well give your walls one last coat – it can’t hurt.
For more information on the Community RePaint scheme visit their website at http://www.communityrepaint.org.uk. If you have any other waste disposal needs be sure to contact us at WT Skips on 01493 668118 or e-mail us at info@wtskiphire.co.uk. 