Community RePaint Derby, hosted by the Play and Recycling Centre (PARC), is celebrating the 21st year of their Community RePaint scheme, having first opened their doors to paint reuse in 2000.
As part of the network, staff and volunteers from Community RePaint Derby have been collecting paint that would otherwise have gone for disposal. They have redistributed it to individuals, charities, and community groups to help brighten homes and community spaces at an affordable price of just £2 per litre.
The scheme opened on 26 October 2000, and in the past 21 years has prevented more than 62,000 litres of leftover paint from going to waste. The majority of their paint comes from the Raynesway Recycling Centre where they collect paint that has been dropped off by local residents. The scheme also accepts paint locally from traders, retailers and paint manufacturers to prevent it from going to waste.
Since opening, the scheme has brightened the lives of over 200,000 people in Derby through individual and group sales. To celebrate, Community RePaint Derby are offering free registration to the Community RePaint Scheme throughout October.
In preparation for the anniversary, the scheme completed a renovation of the Play and Recycling Centre (PARC) in 2020. From replacing the old windows to painting the centre front, the site has gone through a whole set of works to brighten up the scheme. The centre includes a scrapstore, a craft shop, event space, games hire, and of course, the Community RePaint area. Despite being closed for renovations and numerous lockdowns in 2020, the scheme was still able to brighten the lives of over 7,500 people in Derby through individual and group sales of leftover paint.
Photos from the launch of Community RePaint Derby in 2000
Photos from the launch of Community RePaint Derby in 2000
“The aim of celebrating our birthday is not only to mark this important milestone, but also to raise awareness of the scheme locally so more people can benefit,” said scheme manager Maureen Burgoyne. “Community RePaint Derby offers a simple, local solution to the problem of waste paint. By reusing leftover paint in our community, we can bring a splash of colour and well-being to the lives of those who need it the most, and help to protect the planet by preventing perfectly good paint from being disposed of.”
If you need paint to redecorate your home, or if you are a charity or community group in need of paint for a project, contact Community RePaint Derby to find out more on 01332 299165, email parc_cc@btconnect.com or visit them during their opening hours to purchase paint. They are based at Play and Recycling Centre (PARC), 6-10 Werburgh Street, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 3QG. The best day to visit is on a Tuesday when their whole paint range is available, and someone will be there to assist you.
If you are a householder and have leftover paint in your home that you would like to be reused, you can drop your paint off at the Raynesway Recycling Centre. If you are a trader, manufacturer or retailer with leftover paint, you can contact the scheme to find out how they can help you.
Drop off point at the Raynesway Recycling Centre in Derby