The UK’s award winning paint reuse network is getting into the spirit of London 2012 by encouraging Great Britons to donate leftover, reusable paint to Community RePaint – instead of wasting it.

Last year 332 million litres of paint (retail and trade) were sold in the UK. Of this, it is estimated that around 50 million litres – or enough to fill 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools – remained unused; stored in homes or garages, or just thrown away.

So when Team GB’s Rebecca Adlington OBE, who smashed the record for the 800m freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, takes her marks at the side of the Aquatic Centre’s wave-shaped pool, Community RePaint would like us to get set to take a quick peek at the paint pots in our sheds and cellars and go to a local Community RePaint scheme…

Community RePaint schemes collect unwanted, surplus paint and re-distribute it to individuals, families and communities in need, improving the wellbeing of people and the appearance of places across the UK.

“Paint reuse is a winning combination!” said Community RePaint Network Manager Martin Pearse, “Not only does it help to protect the environment, but it also means that people across Britain can brighten up their homes and improve their communities with paint that would otherwise have gone to waste.”

So, when the athletes are limbering up, the spectators taking their seats and the Olympic torch handed over for the last time, remember: pass on a pot of paint or two to a Community RePaint project near you. Go on, be a sport!

For residents in East Berkshire this has just become even easier, following the launch of a Community RePaint scheme at the end of June in Bracknell, Berkshire, which brings the total number of paint reuse projects that are part of the Community RePaint network to 66. Spud, the Dulux dog, was guest of honour.

Community RePaint Berkshire is operated by the Community Interest Company Green Machine with the support of re3 – a partnership of three local councils: Reading, Bracknell Forest and Wokingham. The scheme has already received donations of paint from several organisations and is collecting residents’ leftover, reusable paint from the two Household Waste Recycling Centres in the area.

“If you need low-cost paint to brighten up your home or use in your community, then forget starter’s orders, just hop onto our website, skip to your nearest Community RePaint scheme or jump on the phone to find out more,” added Martin.

More StoriesTell us your story