Categories: News

Enfield’s Sustainable Mural Using 100% Preloved Paint

The large-scale artwork, spanning 180 degrees, was commissioned to celebrate sustainability, creativity and the community of Enflield. The staggering work can be found at Dugdale Art’s Centre: Enfield’s flagship Arts & Cultural hub.

Amazingly, the entire mural was completed for under £17. The initiative was supported by Enfield Council and other local organizations dedicated to environmental and cultural development.

The project was led by artist Alec Saunders, AKA Alecldn, who partnered with the North London Waste Authority, to exclusively use reclaimed paint sourced from Community RePaint East London at Forest Recycling Project, as well reusable paint collected by NLWA at their recycling centres – another member of the Community RePaint network.

When asked abut his experience using preloved paint, artist Alec Saunders is a self proclaimed reclaimed paint convert.

“I was initially unsure about using reclaimed paint, but I was bowled over by the quality. The coverage & opacity was excellent, the colors were vibrant, and the finish was just as good as brand-new paint.” He said.

When asked why he was so keen to be involved in the project, Alec replied; “Sustainability is one of my core values as an artist and it felt great knowing I was making an eco-friendly choice by reducing waste. I’ll be trying to use reclaimed paint in most of my work going forward and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sustainable and high-quality option!”

In addition to painting the mural, Alecldn engaged with the local community through sustainability workshops, collaborating with residents and students from St. Anne’s school to shape the design. The themes of the mural reflect Enfield’s rich cultural heritage, incorporating elements of nature, community spirit, music, and the area’s manufacturing legacy.

As the Dugdale Arts Centre continues to serve as a hub for cultural expression, this mural serves as a great inspiration to all artists wanting to combine their creative out with sustainable materials. Our congratulations go to Alecldn and all the organisations involved in bring this inspiration project to life!

If you’re a artist looking for preloved paint or just needing paint to redecorate your home, you can search for your local Community RePaint branch here.

ReColour now in Dulux Decorator Centres

We’re thrilled to announce that, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Dulux, ReColour remanufactured chalk paint is now available at Dulux Decorator Centres. This sustainable paint option is perfect for upcyclers and DIY enthusiasts looking for an eco-friendly solution.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Chalk Paint
ReColour chalk paint is made from over 90% recycled paint that would otherwise go to waste, making it an environmentally conscious choice. Our remanufacturing process transforms this paint into a high-quality product that’s even better than new. This is a key part of our efforts toward supporting a circular economy and reducing paint waste.

Learn About Our Remanufacturing Process
We invite you to watch our video, which shares more about how ReColour chalk paint is made and the unique remanufacturing process we use. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our top-secret process that makes this paint stand out.

 

A Major Milestone for Community RePaint Wirral
For the team at Community RePaint Wirral, this is a significant step forward in promoting paint reuse. Beckie Close, Recipro CEO, shares her excitement: “Seeing our eco-friendly paint on the shelves of such a major retailer, alongside some of the best-known paint brands, is incredibly exciting and something we’re very proud of!” Martin Pearse, Community RePaint Network Manager, adds: “We’re so grateful to everyone who made this possible and look forward to seeing ReColour chalk paint fly off the shelves.”

Order ReColour Paint Online or Visit Dulux Decorator Centres
ReColour chalk paint is available in bulk (over 60 litres) for those who need larger quantities. You can order online or visit your local Dulux Decorator Centre to pick up your sustainable paint.

Free paint now at Grantham Recycling Centre

Cllr Richard Davies, county councillor for Grantham West, joins Cllr Daniel McNally, executive member for waste, to officially open the Community RePaint scheme at Grantham Household Waste Recycling Centre.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new scheme at the Grantham Household Waste Recycling Centre, aimed at preventing unused paint from going to waste.

This scheme, which opened on Monday 9 December 2024, ensures that usable tins of paint are set aside and made available for free to anyone who wants them. When residents drop off paint at the centre, as long as it’s still usable, it’s placed in the Community RePaint store. Other local residents and community groups can then help themselves to any paint they need – completely free of charge.

In the few days since the scheme began, 20 tins of paint have already been taken by local residents, saving them from being wasted.

Cllr Daniel McNally, executive councillor for waste at Lincolnshire County Council, shares:
“Each year, approximately 50 million litres of paint are discarded across the UK, and we see a significant amount of nearly-new or even unopened paint coming through our recycling centres in Lincolnshire. Thanks to Community RePaint, we’re preventing a lot of this paint from going to waste by giving people the chance to take what they need.

“For smaller jobs or projects that could benefit from a fresh coat, this scheme offers an opportunity to save money instead of purchasing new paint. The alternative would be for this paint to be disposed of at our energy-from-waste plant, so this initiative is also helping us keep usable items circulating longer.”

Community RePaint is part of a wider effort to reduce waste and encourage reuse, following the success of the Lincolnshire Reuse Shop at Tattershall. This scheme is part of the strategic waste strategy of Lincolnshire County Council in their bid to adopt circular economy practices.

Residents who wish to participate – whether by donating or collecting paint – simply need to speak to a staff member on site. The available paint will vary depending on what’s been dropped off, but most types of paint are accepted.

Community RePaint is a national paint reuse network, sponsored by Dulux, with over 80 schemes operating across the UK. The Grantham site marks the first of its kind in Lincolnshire.

Find your local scheme here.

West Sussex Joins Community RePaint Network to Tackle Paint Waste

West Sussex County Council (WSCC), in partnership with Biffa, has become the latest member of the Community RePaint Network, a nationwide initiative designed to reduce paint waste and promote reuse across the county.

As part of this scheme, West Sussex residents can now donate leftover paint or pick up to three tins of donated paint at selected Recycling Centres. This scheme encourages the reuse of surplus paint that might otherwise go to waste, helping local people refresh their homes, projects, and community spaces without the environmental impact of disposal.

Lily Graves, Community RePaint Network Officer, commented:
“We’re thrilled to partner with West Sussex County Council and Biffa on this fantastic initiative. By giving surplus paint a second life, we’re not only reducing waste but also helping communities access free or affordable resources for their homes and projects. It’s great to see the Community RePaint scheme now available in West Sussex, and we’re excited to save more paint from going to waste as a result.”

Participating Recycling Centres:

Residents can donate paint that is still in good condition—i.e. not dried out or mouldy—when the designated collection containers have space. Accepted paints are water-based, and must not carry any ‘hazardous to health’ or ‘flammable’ warning symbols. For a full list of accepted paint types, visit the WSCC website.

Cllr Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change at WSCC, said:
“The paint reuse initiative is a fantastic way to reduce waste at our Recycling Centres and give surplus paint a second life in the community. It aligns with our broader goals of waste prevention, reuse, and environmental protection, which are central to our Council Plan.”

How to Donate or Collect Paint:

To donate or collect paint, you must book an appointment to visit one of the participating Recycling Centres. Booking is quick and easy, and slots can be reserved online or by phone, either for the same day (subject to availability) or up to 14 days in advance. Simply visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/booktorecycle to book your slot.

To learn more about the Community RePaint scheme and find a collection point near you, click here.

By donating or collecting paint, residents can help to ensure it doesn’t go to waste while contributing to a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly community.

A win for Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

We are delighted to announce that, in partnership with Dulux, Community RePaint has won the prestigious Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the British Coatings Federation Annual Awards!

Having run for three decades and redistributed over 5.4 million litres of reusable leftover paint, Community RePaint has been recognised as the forerunner of sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility across the paint industry.

With the support of Dulux, Community RePaint has coloured the lives of countless individuals, charities, and community organizations across the UK and created a more sustainable future for all.

Peter Howard, Sustainability Lead at Akzo Nobel, writes: ‘This incredible initiative wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of so many Dulux colleagues over the years and Sam Reeve, Martin Pearse, Lilian Graves and David Squire together with the wider team at Resource Futures, who tirelessly support, grow, and nurture the national Community RePaint network.”

Undoubtedly, the true driving force behind the success of the Community RePaint network are the organizations and local authorities that operate the more than 80 schemes across the UK. These grassroots community groups, alongside growing support from local authorities and waste management companies, are the foundation of this initiative. They are the ones at the forefront, responsible for collecting, storing, and distributing surplus paint in a way that delivers real, tangible impact. Their unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and their dedication to supporting those in need are truly commendable. Together, they have forged a robust network that goes beyond the simple act of recycling paint; it is about creating a more sustainable and equitable future for communities across the country.

We’re delighted to celebrate this prodigious award for our work so far, but we’re also looking forward to the road ahead. As Network Manager, Martin Pearse, reflects “Good progress has been made but much more to do!”

 

The Community RePaint network is expanding, with more local authorities and waste management services joining in to create paint reuse stations at recycling centers. If you would like to be part of the Community RePaint movement, ensuring that paint doesn’t go to waste and gets to homes and community projects instead, we’d love to hear from you! Email: repaint@resourcefutures.co.uk

Community RePaint Swindon celebrates 25 years of paint reuse!

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.

Newtown Road wins LARAC sustainability award

4 men in hi-vis smiling outside a recycling centre, holding a trophy aloft.
The team at Newtown HWRC receiving their LARAC award for HWRC of the year 2024.

Newtown Road Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Newbury has earned the HWRC of the Year Award from the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC), recognizing its commitment to innovative and sustainable waste management practices. Operated by West Berkshire Council in collaboration with Veolia, Newtown HWRC achieved an impressive 63% recycling rate for the year 2023/24, partly due to its popular Community RePaint scheme.

LARAC commended Newtown HWRC’s proactive approach to recycling and reuse. “West Berkshire Council demonstrated an impressive commitment to recycling and reuse initiatives,” remarked the LARAC Awards team. “The centre’s Community RePaint area, coffee pod, and vape recycling services reflect a commitment to providing diverse recycling options. Despite a decrease in visitor numbers, the council successfully handled a rise in materials, showcasing their focus on recycling efficiency.”

Community RePaint: A Successful Reuse Initiative

A standout feature at Newtown Road HWRC is the Community RePaint scheme, allowing residents to donate unwanted paint tins. Usable paint is displayed onsite for free, encouraging reuse within the community. During 2023/24, 2,596 litres of paint were reused, benefitting 270 residents and supporting local projects, including the renovation of a community center. This initiative not only prevented paint from being incinerated or sent to landfill but also delivered valuable social and environmental benefits.

Join the Movement for Paint Reuse at Your HWRC

If you manage an HWRC and are interested in promoting paint reuse, reach out to repaint@resourcefutures.co.uk to learn more.

Congratulations to Newtown Road HWRC and West Berkshire Council for setting a benchmark in sustainable waste management through community-centered initiatives like Community RePaint, contributing significantly to a greener and more resourceful future.

 

1 million litres of paint saved in Wirral

Two ladies and an English Shepherd Dog. One of the Ladies holds a brass plaque reading 1,000,000 litres of paint redistributed.
Pictured Community RePaint Network Officer Lily Graves (left) and Director of Recipro, Beckie Close (right) with the Dulux Dog. Picture Credit: PinPep.

We’re delighted to announce that since opening in 2013, Community RePaint Wirral run by Recipro, has redistributed 1 million litres of paint through reuse and remanufacturing.

Community RePaint Wirral collects paint from several Household Waste Recycling Centres as well as receiving donated leftover paint from businesses and decorators in the local area. Their shelves are stocked with thousands of full and part-full tins of paint that members of the public can purchase at an affordable cost, helping to ensure that useable paint is saved from unnecessary disposal.

man moves pallet trolley full of used paint tins through warehouse
A pallet of paint saved from waste by Community RePaint Wirral ready for reuse or to be remanufactured into ReColour paint. Picture Credit: PinPep

As well as facilitating paint reuse, Community RePaint Wirral also remanufacture ReColour paint. Made from leftover paint saved from waste, ReColour allows larger-scale projects and buildings to also get the benefits from reusing paint. Using innovative technology, they filter, treat and blend leftover paint to create a range of high-quality and affordable new products.

lady holds pot of ReColour paint up. The pot is white with purple branding and shows the paint colour which is blue.
A 5l container of ReColour paint, remanufactured from leftover paint saved from going to waste. Picture Credit: PinPep.
dulux dog runs excitedly down aisle of remanufactured paint
The Dulux Dog exploring the range of ReColour paints remanufactured by Community RePaint Wirral. Picture Credit: PinPep.

By redistributing 1,000,000 litres of leftover paint, Community RePaint Wirral have facilitated hundreds of projects for individuals and community groups in the process brightening homes and community spaces.

mural in garden of a colourful earth merging into organic shapes and a heartbeat
The mural at Hearts4Regugees, reusing paint supplied by Community RePaint Wirral. Picture Credit: PinPep.

This mural created by Hearts4Refugees is a fantastic example of the difference reusing paint can have on a space. The mural painted in the Hearts4Refugees garden was a collaboration project designed and painted by the refugees supported by the charity. The aim is for it to continually evolve as an expression of the community they support.

hands rest on wall painted with handprints in a mural with a ladybird and heart
The collaborative mural painted with leftover paint by refugees in Wirral in the Hearts4Refugees garden. Picture Credit: PinPep.

“Art can do so much to reduce stress and emotional pain – something the refugees we support here know all too well. It can offer stimulation, an outlet, and a reminder of the colourful goodness in the world!” says Vicky Evans, Executive Director at Heart4Refugees.

Beckie Close, Director of Recipro said; “Heart4Refugees is a local charity to the Wirral, and just one of many projects we’ve been lucky enough to support with our ReColour paint. They run an art therapy session for the refugees and asylum seekers they support, which has involved the creation of a beautiful mural. We were delighted to provide them with the ReColour paint to help bring their stunning artwork to life.”

three women smiling, one holding a plaque that read's 1,000,000 litres of paint redistributed.
Rebecca Orton, Partnerships Marketing Manager at Dulux, (left) and Lily Graves, Network officer at Community RePaint (middle) presenting a plaque to Beckie Close, Director, Recipro (right).Picture Credit: PinPep.

Beckie continues; “It feels so rewarding to support projects like Heart4Refugees. Their work is so important, and just another way of injecting a bit of colour into everyone’s lives.”

In celebration of the 1 million litre milestone achieved by Community RePaint Wirral, the team at Recipro had a welcome visit from Community RePaint’s sole sponsor Dulux, who visited the Community RePaint Wirral scheme and the Hearts4refugees mural some of the paint reuse in action.

Partnerships Marketing Manager at Dulux, Rebecca Orton shares “We are so proud of our continuing support of the Community Repaint network and schemes up and down the UK, and this Hearts4Refugees mural is a brilliant example of redistributed paint being put to incredible use. The uplift this has brought to not just the space, but those involved in making it, cannot be understated – its projects like these I am most proud to support, showing the power of positivity that colour and paint can provide.”

one lady presents mural; and explains story to two other ladies wearing community repaint hoodies.
The team at Hearts4Refugees show off their bright ‘RePainted’ mural. Picture credit: PinPep

If you’re looking for paint for your next project, large or small, why not choose to reuse and discover Community Repaint near you by searching with your postcode here.

If you have a large scale project needing 60 litres or more, discover ReColour remanufactured paint! Find out more and place your order here.

Building a circular economy that works.

Understanding the Linear Economy and Its Environmental Impact

The current economic model in most Western countries is known as a ‘linear economy.’ This system operates by extracting raw materials from the Earth, using them for production, and then discarding them—often in a very short time frame. This approach is unsustainable for two major reasons:

  1. Finite Resources: The planet’s natural resources are limited, and we are consuming them at an unsustainable rate.
  2. Harmful Waste: The waste generated is often disposed of in ways that negatively impact the environment, such as through landfill or incineration, both of which contribute to pollution and ecological damage.

What is a Circular Economy and How Can It Help?

A circular economy aims to maximize the lifecycle of materials by reusing, repairing, remanufacturing, and recycling them. By reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing waste, this model helps address the environmental challenges posed by the linear economy.

How Community RePaint is Pioneering a Circular Economy in Paint

At Community RePaint, we are actively creating and promoting a circular economy within the paint industry. Here’s how we’re making it happen:

  1. Paint Reuse

Rather than treating leftover paint as waste destined for landfill or incineration (which has been illegal since 2011), we give it a second life. Leftover paint—whether full tins from businesses or half-used cans from homes and decorators—can be reused in various community projects. This reduces the demand for new paint and prevents unnecessary waste.

  1. Paint Remanufacturing: ReColour

Since 2016, we’ve been remanufacturing “waste” paint into a nearly-new product called ReColour. This paint is made from leftover paint collected at recycling centers across the UK. By rethinking waste, we’ve created a high-quality product that appeals to both large organizations and small projects, all while utilizing materials that would otherwise be discarded.

The Circular Journey of ReColour Paint

This unassuming container of ReColour paint means a great deal to us, and here’s why. This very container of ReColour paint was remanufactured out of ‘waste’ leftover paint, bought by an individual or project, to brighten their space. It’s leftover paint was then dropped off at a participating recycling centre, and returned back to the remanufacturing centre to be remanufactured again into ReColour to brighten another wall. It is a true circle where the ‘waste’ was prevented not just once, but again and again.

The Impact of a Circular Economy in Paint

A circular economy in the paint industry is crucial to reducing waste. Every year, over 50 million liters of paint are thrown away in the UK alone. At Community RePaint, our mission is to divert this waste, fully utilizing leftover paint for the benefit of people and the planet. By valuing materials and using them responsibly, we are helping to create a more sustainable future.

Why not reuse paint for your next project, and help us close the loop: find your local scheme.