Paint Disposal: Your Guide to Getting Rid of Old Paint!

We've all been there. After a big DIY project, you might end up with leftover paint that feels like a bit of a headache. But chucking it in the bin or down the sink isn't the way to go. When it's time to get rid of your old paint, whether it's empty cans, unused paint, spray cans, or used brushes, you've got a few good options. Each one has its own perks, so you can pick the best fit for you.

This blog is your go-to for responsible paint disposal in New Zealand. We'll talk about eco-friendly ways to do it, like paint take-back schemes and using council transfer stations. Plus, we'll give you some handy tips to make the whole process easy-peasy.

Easy Disposal: If you bought your paint from Resene or Dulux, drop it off at their stores for free. For other brands, they will still accept it for a small fee.

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The Environmental Impact of Leftover Paint

Improperly disposing of paint poses a significant environmental threat. Paint is packed with harmful chemicals such as solvents and heavy metals. If not handled correctly, these substances can seep into the soil and water systems, wreaking havoc on our fragile ecosystems and posing a risk of contaminating our drinking water. Picture this: the vibrant hues on your wall transforming into pollutants in a serene stream—definitely not the picturesque scene we hope for, right?

Paint Check-Up: How to Tell If Your Paint is Still Good to Use

Paint doesn’t last forever (properly stored oil-based paints last up to 15 years; 10 years for latex; 5 years for water-based). You can first check whether your paint is still good with the following tests:

1. Check the Use-by Date: Some paint brands print a use-by date on their products. If you find one on the container, check to see if the paint is still okay to use.
   
2. Sniff Test: Open the paint can and take a sniff. Fresh paint usually has a faint, slightly chemical smell. If it smells off or unpleasant, it might be gone off.
   
3. Mix it Up: Give the paint a good stir to see if the particles have separated from the liquid. If there's a thin layer of hardened paint on top, remove it before mixing. If the paint blends smoothly and looks consistent, it should be fine.
   
4. Test it Out: If you're still unsure, brush a bit of paint onto some newspaper or cardboard to see if it goes on smoothly. If it does, it's likely still good to use.

If your paint is expired, you’ll want to dispose of it, so skip ahead to that section below. But if the paint is still usable—you just simply have no use for it—consider selling or donating it to someone who does.

Got leftover paint in bulk that's still good?

If you've got loads of leftover paint, you can sell it on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace. It's a great way to make some extra cash without any hassle. Plus, the buyer gets a good deal too. If selling isn't your thing, you can always donate it for free and feel good about helping others!

Sell it on TradeMe or Marketplace

Marketplaces like TradeMe and Facebook are fantastic platforms to sell your items, and you can set a nominal price, even as low as $1. It's a win-win scenario – someone gets a bargain, and you clear some space. But, you may like to set the price at $10 or $20 or more! It’s to deter time-wasters! By having a small commitment, potential buyers more likely to go ahead and buy your paint.

Donate it to Interested Takers

Take advantage of local Facebook groups to reach more people nearby who might want your paint. Lots of people are always looking for freebies. Write an attention-grabbing post with a title like "Free Paint" or "Grab Some Free Paint" to get folks interested. Alternatively, you could donate it to those who are actively searching for it. For example, in the following Facebook posts, you can see people have plenty of projects they could tackle with donated paint.

Consider using a "First come, first served" approach. Also, rather than inviting strangers into your home, you might opt to place the paint cans on your driveway or curbside for easy pickup. It's a simple yet effective way to find a new home for your items while keeping the process smooth and secure.

Other Eco-Friendly Disposal Options

Paint Take-Back Programs

Did you know? You've already paid for paint disposal fees.

When you buy paint in New Zealand, you might see a surcharge called the PaintWise levy. This is a small fee, typically 15 cents per liter, added to fund the collection and proper disposal of leftover paint and containers. It's not a tax, but a program by Resene Paints (and supported by others) to divert waste from landfills. You'll only see this levy in areas with the PaintWise program, and other paint companies may have similar programs with slightly different fees.

So, when you take back your paint tin when you are done it’s ‘free’ (although the pre-paid surcharge takes care of that). They will take other brands of paint for 25c per litre (of original paint packaging size, not whatever you have left).

“ They'll accept it for free if it's their brand; otherwise, they'll charge a small fee. ”

New Zealand offers convenient and eco-friendly paint take-back programs specifically designed for leftover paint. Here are two of the most prominent programs:

Resene PaintWise: You can take any unwanted paint and its packaging back to specific Resene ColorShops through the Resene PaintWise programme. Resene sorts and handles the returned items. Good quality paint will be given to community groups, while cans will be recycled. The goal is to help you dispose of paint and its packaging responsibly, reducing landfill waste. This programme also supports community projects by donating usable water-based paints for initiatives like graffiti removal. Anything else will be recycled or disposed of properly to lessen harm to the environment.

Please note: only the designated ColorShops can receive unwanted paint and paint packaging. Other stores do not have the facilities to handle and store the paint safely. And they do not accept everything.

Resources:

1. The list of all participating ColorShops with their addresses, opening hours and contact numbers: https://www.resene.co.nz/paintwise.php
   
2. Their paint recycling service acceptance criteria: https://www.resene.co.nz/comn/envissue/paintwise-acceptance.htm
   
3. A comprehensive list of frequently asked questions https://www.resene.co.nz/comn/envissue/paintwise_information.htm

Dulux Paint Take-Back Service: Similar to Resene PaintWise, Dulux accepts leftover paint and paint containers at Dulux Trade Centres and selected Guthrie Bowron stores nationwide. They then sort and process the returned items for recycling, reuse, or responsible disposal. Water-based paints might be donated for community projects, while solvent-based paints are sent for specialised processing to recover solvents or dispose of them safely.

Eligible paints in original Dulux, British Paints, Berger, Cabot’s, Intergrain, Dryden or Feast Watson packaging can be returned free of charge. On non-Dulux group branded paints, a $0.25 per packaging litre return and collection fee is applied.

Visit the Dulux Paint Take-Back Service website for a list of participating stores and their guidelines on accepted paint types and potential fees (a small fee applies to non-Dulux branded products).

Benefits of Paint Take Back Programs:

Convenience: Simply take your leftover paint to a participating store – no need for special handling or trips to hazardous waste facilities.

Environmentally Friendly: These programs ensure proper recycling, reuse, or disposal of paint, minimizing environmental risks.

Peace of Mind: Knowing your paint is being handled responsibly allows you to dispose of it without worry.

Potentially Free Disposal: Free disposal for their own brands and a small fee for others.

Remember:

1. Before heading to a participating store, check their website for details on accepted paint types and any potential fees.
   
2. Make sure your paint containers are properly sealed and labelled for safe transportation.

Get Them Hauled Away For a Fees

For a hassle-free option, you can opt to have your paint tins professionally hauled away for a fee. While it comes at a cost, this solution ensures convenience and efficiency, sparing you the effort of arranging drop-offs.

Put it up on Ezy Peazy

It only takes a few clicks for you to post your paint disposal task requirements on Ezy Peazy. Add your location, budget, and preferred time and wait for the offers. Select your preferred tasker for the job and they will pick up your paint tins from wherever it needs collecting. It’s that easy with Ezy Peazy!

Off the Topic – Free Paint for Community Projects!

If you are involved in a community project or represent a non-profit organisation, you can apply for a paint donation from Resene and Dulux. They generously donate paint to community fundraising programs and non-profits in New Zealand, helping them bring their projects to life and support their causes and communities.

• Resene PaintWise aims to return good condition paint back to the community for use by non-profit community groups. Click the following link to register your interest: https://www.resene.co.nz/comn/envissue/paintwise_register.htm
• Dulux donates paint to community fundraising programmes and not-for-profits in New Zealand so they can realise their projects and protect their causes and communities. Click the following link to apply for a donation: https://www.dulux.co.nz/about-us/partnerships/community-projects-paint-donations/apply-for-a-donation​

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several convenient and responsible ways to dispose of your unused paint. The best method depends on the condition of the paint and your specific needs. Whether you choose to sell it, donate it, return it to the manufacturer, or hire a service, each option provides a viable solution for paint disposal. By evaluating your paint and the available options, you can ensure an environmentally friendly and hassle-free disposal process.

Option 1: Sell It on TradeMe or Marketplace

Option 2: Donate It to Interested Takers

Option 3: Return It to Resene

Option 4: Return It to Dulux

Option 5: Hire Someone to Dispose of It for You

Happy and responsible disposing!