How to dispose of your leftover house paint

Paint contains chemicals such as solvents and metals. These can contaminate our groundwater and have negative effects on human health and potentially cause serious hazards for the environment and wildlife. Making sure that you recycle your leftover paint correctly will reduce these impacts.

Here’s what you can do:

Drop it at a Paintback collection point

A paint industry initiative called Paintback will take leftover paint and cans. It is a not-for-profit company that collects paint through participating sites in Western Australia.

1. They sort water-based and oil-based paints as well as separating the tins and tubs it comes in.
2. Tubs and tins are recycled and diverted from landfill.
3. Water-based paints are treated and reused in industrial processes as an alternative to fresh water.
4. Oil-based paints are used as an alternative energy source to power some of Australia’s largest manufacturers.

4 ways to reduce your amount of leftover paint

1. Don’t buy more than you need.  Estimate the amount of paint required by measuring the area to be painted and calculate the litres required to be used for the job.
2. Save some to be used for touch ups.
3. Give the extra paint to family and friends if they need some.
4. Post any leftover paint on your local Buy Nothing Group
5. Use it around your home:
6. Paint a feature wall
7. Update some old furniture
8. Freshen up an outdated picture frame
9. Paint your plant pots.

Visit www.paintback.com.au for more information.

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