25 years of Paint reuse in Swindon

This November, Community RePaint Swindon proudly celebrates 25 years of giving leftover paint a new purpose. Hosted by Swindon Children’s Scrapstore, the scheme collects full and partially used paint from traders, retailers, and manufacturers that would otherwise go for disposal.

Available for around £2 per litre, this preloved paint offers an affordable, sustainable decorating option for the local community, making it easier for residents to transform their spaces while reducing waste.

Lady smiling holding paint tin aloft in front of shelves of tins of paint
Olivia McCann, CEO of Swindon Children’s Scapstore, who runs Community RePaint Swindon.

Olivia McCann, CEO of Swindon Childrens Scrapstore, say “Community RePaint is a simple solution to the problem of leftover paint. By reusing paint in our community, we can bring colour 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.”

Over the past 25 years, Community RePaint Swindon has redistributed an estimated 60,500 litres of paint within the community. By diverting leftover paint from unnecessary disposal, the scheme has had a positive impact on both people and the planet.

In 2023, paint saved from waste from Community RePaint Swindon was used to create an inspiring mural on the wall of local Community boxing gym; Scrappers. Its a great example of how leftover paint can be utilised to brighten the community.

mural of two boxers primed for a match in black and white against a blue and red background
Mural at Scrappers Gym painted using leftover paint from Community RePaint Swindon

 

group of children pose in a boxing stance in front of mural in boxing gym
The community enjoying their mural at Scrappers Gym, painted with leftover paint from Community RePaint Swindon.

Olivia goes on to say: We are delighted to mark the occasion by running a Half-Term Half price sale on all our paint in order to encourage families and local people to benefit from reusing the leftover paint. This paint can be used to bring new life to homes, youth clubs, schools, playgroups and community halls throughout the town. We would like people who require paint to visit the Scrapstore and take advantage of this opportunity to save money by purchasing low-cost quality paint.”

If you’re looking for a sustainable and affordable way to redecorate your home or community space, use our postcode finder to find your local scheme.

More StoriesTell us your story