We now have a unit to house paint and other materials, a treasure trove that could paint a few houses from top to bottom! However if there is no use for this paint, and we know recycling units don’t accept them, what do we do with them?
We’ve done a lot of research into this and there are a few options. The first is obviously to see if anyone can use what you have. If they can’t, believe it or not there are centres that will take it.
Sustainability.
If there is enough left in the tin you can donate your paint to a community scheme that will ensure your paint is either used in another home, or community project. A quick internet search will bring up where these materials can be taken.
Depending where you purchased your paint, if it has never been opened, most merchants will take if back, offering a refund or store credit. B&Q offer 135 days for you to take back any unopened paint you have.
Recycling your paint pots.
It is usual to keep paint. It enables you to touch up any bangs or scrapes. Unfortunately paint can become unusable over time or when it has been out in the elements. Paint like this is can’t just be put in the bin with your other rubbish. If there’s only around a centimetre left in the pot, the recommendation is to get some cardboard and paint it- get scraps to use up the paint, let it dry and then you only have the pot to get rid of. Your local recycling centre will take both empty plastic and metal paint tins, though they must be empty!
If you have more than a centimetre and can’t use it up, you have to ensure the paint in the pot is hard before you can dispose of it. You can buy paint hardening powder, but you can also use soil or sand. Pour it into the pot, mix it up and leave the lid off until it hardens. Your recycling centre will then take the full tin from you, as long as the paint inside is solid.
Environmental Responsibility.
In 2013 Crown paints introduced a recycling scheme called ‘can back’, where they would recycle their cans for the customer. This company have taken on their environmental responsibility amazingly, as since 2021 they extended their scheme to include any brand of paint can, in any condition, to be recycled. This may not be widely known outside the industry, and I doubt it is celebrated enough. So this is a little insider knowledge for you.
If your garage, shed or ‘big cupboard’ has old paint sitting, you can now hand it into any crown decorating centre, safe in the knowledge it will be recycled.
Everyone has to take responsibility for our planet, especially if your day to day work can directly affect it. We at Ardent are happy to research for you and keep you up to date on how to put our best foot forward to help the world for the generations after us.
The painters wife xxx
01236 424 804
