Get rid of paint

Do not put paint tins in your bin at home unless they are empty, or contain very small amounts of solid, dried-up paint residue. 

Never pour paint down your sink or drain as it may cause a blockage or pollution.

Take paint to a recycling centre

Paint must be disposed of as a solid, not as a liquid. Before you bring your paint to a recycling centre, you should harden it. To do this, you can leave the lid off the paint, or use a paint hardener, available from DIY stores.

Let a site attendant know when you arrive with paint and they'll be able to help you find the right place for your containers.

Recycling centres will not take waste paint from commercial operations.

Reuse instead of disposal

Unwanted paint could be used for another painting project, by your family, friends or a local charity like Community Repaint.