Categories: News

Yours Magazine is “the UK’s most loved magazine for mature women.” It offers readers support, advice and information on everything from health, fitness, recipes, holidays, relationships, money and much more.

The magazine has a Community Hub section, where readers can find ways to make new friends, help one another, and make a difference. In a recent edition, they included a Planet Saver section and mentioned the Community RePaint network. We’re thrilled that our network was mentioned in a recent issue, promoting paint reuse. Pick up a copy to read!

If you are a householder and would like to donate leftover paint for reuse, find your nearest drop-off point here. If you’re a business, read more here about how to get your paint reuse.

If you would like to purchase affordable paint you can find your nearest scheme here. Have a big project? If you need more than 60 litres you can order our remanufactured paint ReColour here.

The county council first joined the Community RePaint Network in June 2011 and operates a paint reuse scheme at four recycling centres. Nottinghamshire residents can drop off their leftover paint (providing they are registered to use Nottinghamshire County Council’s Recycling Centres), and  recycling centre staff will prevent good quality, reusable paint from going to disposal. The paint is then redistributed to individuals, charities and community groups for free, to help brighten homes and community spaces.

Since its start, Community RePaint Nottinghamshire has prevented over 69,000 litres of paint from going to disposal – that’s enough to repaint the Trent Bridge seven times! This has coloured the lives of over 110,000 people in the Nottinghamshire County Council area and equates to a saving of 186,300kg CO²e – that’s the same as a petrol car driving around the entire circumference of the Earth 27 times.

Site staff and children from a local school who have benefited from the scheme

 

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “It’s amazing that something as simple as reusing paint, which would otherwise go to waste, has such a huge impact on emissions. What’s even better is that so many organisations and individuals in Nottinghamshire have directly benefited from the scheme – from brightening up a child’s bedroom to painting an entire church.”

 Lea Hawkes, General Manager for Veolia Nottinghamshire said: “We’re delighted to provide such a valuable service for the people of Nottinghamshire. The fact that we’ve been in operation for over ten years is testament to its success. The booking process is straightforward and collecting paint from any of our four participating sites is easy.”

If you are a householder within Nottinghamshire County Council (excluding Nottingham) and have leftover paint in your home that you would like to be reused, you can drop your paint off at the following recycling centres: Warsop, Calverton, Newark and Beeston. Remember, you must be a registered site user to take any unwanted paint to our sites – to register please visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/recycling-centres/using-our-recycling-centres/register

A cake baked to celebrate the 10 year anniversary

Those who have benefited from the scheme include:

Mansfield District Child’s Protection Team – Nina Middleton, Assistant Social Worker: “I collect paint to give to the families that I work with. Very often they struggle with finances and paint is often out of reach to their budget. Providing paint from this free service is absolutely vital in improving standards for our vulnerable children.”

Southwell Methodist Church – Paul Birks, Resource Team Leader: “This scheme has been instrumental in improving the condition of our Church. I have been able to update the old facade, which dates back to 1839, and also refresh much of the interiors.”

Bleasby Primary School – Angela Bradbury, School Governor, explained: “The paint from your scheme came in very handy when we organised a DIY weekend to refresh a few tired areas in our school grounds. The guy who helped us pick our paint was really helpful which made the process so easy. We have lots of pupils who are enthusiastic about environmental issues and sustainability so it’s great to put these ideas into practice.”

Please note: surplus paint from traders is not accepted at any of the Community RePaint schemes or any of the County’s Recycling Centres. If you are a business with leftover paint, click here.

If you need paint to redecorate your home, or if you are a charity or community group in need of paint for a project, you can visit any of the 4 named recycling centres – to do this, you need to book a slot online https://www.veolia.co.uk/nottinghamshire/Paint

Good Housekeeping is a magazine, published globally, featuring articles about women’s interests, product testing by The Good Housekeeping Institute, recipes, diet, and health, as well as literary articles.

The article, which can be found here, brought to attention the issue with leftover paint in the UK, highlighting key statistics from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) that an estimated 50 million litres of paint goes to waste each year.

Advice and guidance on what to do with leftover paint was given to the reader, with a big mention to the work that we do at Community RePaint.

Read the full Good Housekeeping article here.

Paint drop off at Community RePaint Stoke-on-Trent

Leftover paint available for reuse at Community RePaint North Staffordshire 

 

If you are a householder and would like to donate leftover paint for reuse, find your nearest drop-off point here. If you’re a business, read more here about how to get your paint reuse.

If you would like to purchase affordable paint you can find your nearest scheme here. Have a big project? If you need more than 60 litres you can order our remanufactured paint ReColour here.

Staff and volunteers from Community RePaint West Devon have been collecting paint that would otherwise have gone for disposal, and redistributed it to individuals, charities and community groups at affordable prices to help brighten homes and community spaces.

The scheme opened on 20 June 1996, and in the past twenty-five years, has prevented more than 60,000 litres of paint from going to waste. Since opening, the scheme has brightened the lives of over 50,000 people in the West Devon region through individual and group sales.

The scheme is hosted by Proper Job, Devon’s leading community reuse centre. The objectives are the protection and preservation of the environment by the promotion of waste reduction, re-use and recycling and advancing education of the general public about all aspects of waste generation, waste management and waste recycling. Everything from baths, crockery and clothes to garden furniture and building materials can be bought by you at a fraction of their original cost, meaning you not only save money, but also go some way to leading a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Paint area at Community RePaint West Devon

If you need paint to redecorate your home, or if you are a charity or community group in need of paint for a project, call Community RePaint West Devon to find out more on 01647 432985, email on info@proper-job.org or visit them during their opening hours to purchase paint. They are based at Market Field, Crannafords Ind Park, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8DR. Their opening times are Tuesday – Saturday, 9.30am – 5.00pm.

If you are a trader, paint manufacturer or retailer with leftover paint you can contact the scheme to find out how they can help you. They can offer a more economical and sustainable option than sending it for disposal.

Please provide a short summary of what you do at Happy To Help CIC and why you became a Community RePaint scheme?

I became a board member for Happy To Help CIC since it started in 2018, and started volunteering at our Paint Shop in 2020 when it first opened – and I’ve been here ever since! Happy To Help CIC is a subsidiary company of Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH), which manages West Northamptonshire Council’s housing services.

Happy To Help aims to support NPH residents and the wider community and that’s exactly what our shop does by providing good value for money, by taking care of our environment and offering volunteering opportunities. As a board, we heard about the Community RePaint Network and their schemes, and wanted to try and start our own in Northampton.

Can you tell us what your typical working day is like and possibly share your top tip for managing your Community RePaint scheme?

We volunteers do all sorts! We take in paint that gets delivered, we check all paint to be sure it’s good for resale and process them in line with Community RePaint guidelines. We make sure the shelves are fully stocked and look good – we’re always thinking of ways to improve our displays. We serve customers when they come in, this could be helping to find what they’re looking for or to give some advice on colour choices. And on our way home we deliver leaflets promoting our shop.

We’re also a place to engage with NPH residents, so sometimes we may get some housing enquiries or have events here. Last month we had a community litter pick which was successful despite the torrential rain!

My top tip is to give excellent customer service, always, so customers come back and tell their friends about us. Sometimes we may not have what someone is looking for but when coupled with excellent customer service they may consider another option or come back in the future.

Volunteer helping out a customer at Community RePaint Northampton

 

What have been Community RePaint Northampton’s biggest achievements thus far?

When the shop was being refurbished, it provided an opportunity for NPH multi-skilled trade apprentices to learn their craft here which helped with their development. We’ve recruited a lovely team of 8 hardworking volunteers, without whom this would not be possible, and because of our volunteers we’ve been able to open the shop another day which is great for our customers.

We’ve also pushed our presence on social media with our shade of the week and our very popular giveaway competition which had over 50 entries. It was so successful we’re doing running another competition with the prize draw in June. We’re getting the message out that we are here. As well as supporting the local community, we’ve had clubs and schools get in touch to find out more and buy paint for their projects.

Since opening in 2020, Community RePaint Northampton has collected almost 6,000 litres of paint, preventing it from going to waste.

Staff and volunteers outside Community RePaint Northampton

Do you have any stories from the community you’d like to share?

We’re always asking for customer feedback, and when we get this it’s really rewarding.

One of NPH’s support workers accompanied a resident to the shop to help them pick out paint to decorate their new home. He’d had a difficult time moving home, but picking the paint and putting his own touch on his new home made a massive difference to how they felt at home. He told his support worker that the help he received from the volunteers and the paint he bought really helped to pick up his spirits and helped his wellbeing. Without the shop, he would have needed to save up for a long time before being in a position to buy the paint needed. The resident shared before and after photos with us, and it was so lovely to see them and hear how we’d made a difference to them.

We also received a lovely thank you letter from a group called Northampton Community Sheds who bought paint from us to freshen up a local Scout group’s hut. They said how much brighter the hut looks now, and how happy the Scouts are with it. They were really happy with the paint, but also thanked us for our help and advice when buying the paint from us.

Volunteer at Community RePaint Northampton

 

Do you have any painting tips that you can share with us?

When glossing wood in the home I use masking tape for a professional finish and use dust sheets to keep the area clean. I give the surface a light sanding and then wipe the dust off. I know some people like to use rollers on wood but I like a brush finish, it takes a little bit longer but it’s worth it in the end. When I’m finished I clean my brushes with turpentine and warm soapy water. And when using paint for outside, it’s important to check it’s suitable for masonry or outside joinery or metal.

What’s next for Community RePaint Northampton?

We’re still recruiting volunteers and working on expanding our network with paint donors to increase our supply of donated paint. We’re also looking at partnership working with local groups and businesses to increase our local impact. Our first event will be a fun day in Kings Heath on 5 August 2022 which we’re looking forward to.

Shop front and paint display area at Community RePaint Northampton

 

Click here for further information on Community RePaint Northampton and how to purchase affordable paint. You can also keep up to date with their latest news and stories via their Facebook page.

Why not share this article with someone you know to help them save money and the environment.

The paint you drop off is collected by Community RePaint Wirral, who pass on the usable paint onto the community, or remanufacture it into ReColour paint!

The following five recycling centres accept paint for reuse:

• Sutton Coldfield HRC
• Castle Bromwich HRC
• Kings Norton HRC
• Perry Barr HRC
• Tyseley HRC

 

To drop off leftover paint, you can book an appointment to drop off paint here. If you’re having trouble booking, please contact Veolia Birmingham on 0121 680 2000.

Please note, if you are not a member of this local authority you will not be eligible to access the site. If there is no drop-off point in your local authority area you will need to contact them for guidance on what to do with your leftover paint.

Unfortunately, as this scheme is run by the local authority they are unable to work with traders, retailers or manufacturers. If you are a trader, retailer, manufacturer or other business with leftover paint you can provide details here and we will look at other schemes in your area who will be able to work with you.

Staff and volunteers from Community RePaint Bradford have been collecting paint that would otherwise have gone for disposal and redistributed it to individuals, charities and community groups at affordable prices to help brighten homes and community spaces.

L-R: volenteer Lawrence Knowles, manager Karen Hutchinson, volenteers Mark Haginis and Harry Cornwall.

 

In 2001, the journey of Community RePaint Bradford began in the cellar of a children’s creative art project. Inspired by the amount of leftover paint that would have gone to waste, they made the first steps towards becoming part of the network. In that first year, they collected just over 3,000 litres of paint with one member of staff and worked with other local charities to reuse the paint.

The scheme has come a long way, and in the past ten years alone, has prevent over 543,000 litres of paint from going to waste. The scheme collets from eight local household recycling centres in the area, where householders can drop off their paint for reuse. The scheme also accepts paint from local business, paint remanufactures and decorators for a small fee.

“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 Karen Hutchinson. “Community RePaint Bradford 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 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.”

Bradford RePaint manager Karen Hutchinson and volunteer Lawrence Knowles. Dulux sponsor community RePaint.

 

The Community RePaint network manager, Martin Pearse, reflected ‘Community RePaint Bradford have done a fantastic job over the last 21 years. The celebrations provide a great opportunity to recognise all the hard work that has gone into making the scheme such a success and to reflect on all their achievements which has brighten community spaces and homes over the years. We are excited to continue supporting the scheme and look forward to seeing what they accomplish over the next 21 years and more.’

You can read more about Community RePaint Bradford in their recent Meet The Scheme interview.

If you need paint to redecorate your home, or if you are a charity or community group in need of paint for a project, call Community RePaint Bradford to find out more 07871 792 813, email info@bradrepaint.co.uk, or visit them during their opening hours to purchase paint. They are based at Carlisle Business Centre, 60 Carlisle Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 8BD. Their opening times are Monday – Friday, 9am – 3.30pm.

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 one of the eight household recycling centres they collect from: Midland Road HWRC, Bowling Back Lane HWRC, Dealburn Row HWRC, Ford Hill HWRC, Dowley Gap HWRC, Sugden End HWRC, Keighley HWRC, and Golden Butts HWRC. If you are a trader, manufacturer or retailer with leftover paint you can contact the scheme to find out how they can help you.

Barrie, tell us a bit about Changing Lives Together, and why you became a Community RePaint scheme?

I have been working at Changing Lives Together, who host Community RePaint Cheshire, for three-and-a-half years in total with two-and-a-half years spent in the paint area. I was a volunteer for my first year where I experienced a range of activities from sales, woodwork/ joinery, building flatpack furniture and upcycling old and preloved items of furniture.

I already had a passion for upcycling and reuse and whilst completing these activities we used the paint obtained through the Community Repaint Scheme. When a job became available working on the scheme I was interested and fortunate to get it! I love to play apart in reducing waste, particularly seeing the volumes of paint people are willing to dispose of, and helping the people who need it most in our community.

Community RePaint fits in with Changing Lives Together’s aim to protect the environment by reusing and recycling pre-loved goods.

Paint area at Community RePaint Cheshire

 

Can you tell us what your typical working day is like and possibly share your top tip for managing your Community RePaint scheme?

On a daily basis we sort through high volumes of paint as our transport team collects multiple times per week keeping stock in good quantity. We check every tin of paint and assess whether it is reusable or not. We process good paint and label the tin with quantity and price, paint the lids of tins to show the colour and ensure our sales stock is full. We process waste/ non-reusable paint by disposing of it into a designated IBC awaiting collection from a specialist company to dispose of correctly.

A big part of the day is assisting customers wishing to purchase paint by offering advice and helping them find what they need. We also ensure that our housekeeping standards are kept to a high-level therefore a lot of time is spent cleaning whether on-the-go or regular clean-ups.

What have been Community RePaint Cheshire’s biggest achievements thus far?

We’re proud of the amount of paint we have saved from going to waste. Between 2013 and 2021, we prevented 164,714 litres of paint from going to waste. We’ve redistributed this paint to local individuals, families and community organisations to brighten their spaces and homes.

Another big is the training and employment the Community RePaint scheme has provided to local people, including myself. We pride ourselves in offering work experience and volunteer opportunities within Changing Lives Together. These opportunities provide knowledge and skills for people of all ages, to help them find future work.

Barrie Latham, Head of Operations & Retail at Community RePaint Cheshire.

 

Do you have any stories from the community you’d like to share?

I enjoy talking with customers and discussing their projects and why type of paint/colours they are looking for. I assist them in finding what they need and we often see customers returning to purchase more. They often share pictures of their projects which is great to see our paint being put to such good use. I love this aspect of my job.

I would love to see more community projects using our paint. We did have a customer, who runs a local club, purchase large quantities from us which he used to revamp the premises.

Do you have any painting tips that you can share with us?

Preparation is always key. I recommend:

• Sand and prime previously painted woodwork.
• Use masking tape for clean lines, e.g. skirting boards, wall dividers
• Use a paint brush to ‘cut in’ along edges and use roller for larger areas
• Use a basecoat on less than perfect walls prior to painting for a smoother finish

Paint area at Community RePaint Cheshire

 

What’s next for Community RePaint Cheshire?

We hope to expand our Community RePaint scheme to be able to process even more paint, save it from going to waste, and redistribute it to the community. We are planning to increase our marketing to raise awareness of the work we do and reach a wider audience. We also hope to help more community projects and provide them with surplus paint to brighten up community centres, village halls, and paint for murals to brighten the streets.

Click here for further information on Community RePaint Cheshire and how to purchase affordable paint. Why not share this article with someone you know to help them save money and the environment.

Having recognised this issue and made a commitment to achieve zero waste by 2030, Community RePaint sponsor, Dulux, has launched a new trial take-back scheme. The trials aim is to recycle and reuse every part of the Dulux roller testers, to eventually create no waste.

Now, this isn’t the first environmental project Dulux has been a part of. For the last 29 years, Dulux has sponsored the Community RePaint network. Made up of 65+ schemes across the UK, the network collects usable leftover paint and redistributes it back into the community.

Although Dulux sponsors the Community RePaint, they do not manage it. Environmental consultancy Resource Futures run the network on a day to day basis.  Due to the great success of Community RePaint, Dulux has paired up with Resource Futures again to help develop their new tester take back trial.

How will the trial work?

From a customer point of view, it could not be easier to get involved. Simply take your used roller testers to one of the participating stores, and pop them into the drop off point. From here the tester pots will be collected and taken to MyGroup, a company specialising in reusing materials. They separate the materials, decant the paint for further use and granulate the plastic and roller foam to make storm board. An amazing alternative to plywood, storm board is made from a variety of granulated materials. It is used to make outdoor furniture, compost bins, and even climbing walls.

The Dulux Tester Takeback will be piloted in 32 selected B&Q, Homebase and Wickes stores across the UK.

The ultimate goal of the trial is to roll out the scheme nationally, creating an opportunity for everyone in the UK to recycle their Dulux roller tester.

After a slow start to the year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Community RePaint schemes have finally been able to get back to what they do best – saving paint and helping their communities.

The network has accepted and distributed a significant amount of reusable paint within the community last year. The hard work and resilience across the network has meant that all of our Community RePaint schemes continued to brighten the spaces and lives of people in their communities. Here are the numbers:

387,748 litres of leftover, reusable paint was collected by schemes in 2021

255,785 litres of leftover, reusable paint was redistributed by schemes in 2021

approaching 100,000 litres of ReColour remanufactured paint produced in 2021

The Community RePaint network welcomed two new schemes in 2021 including Cornelly and Ystradgynlais, fantastic news for residents in South Wales. We look forward to welcoming more schemes in 2022 and are currently in conversations with prospective organisations. The continued success of the network would not be possible without the dedication, hard work and resilience of our schemes.

Throughout 2021, our schemes have brightened 176,801 lives through individual and group sales. We have seen village halls, primary schools, youth centres and family homes transformed, due to having access to the network affordable paint!

221 staff, trainees and volunteers keep our schemes running through 2021. We would like to show our biggest thanks and gratitude towards them, they are the reason the network is having such a huge impact.

Our schemes also saved 1,047,017kg of carbon emissions by reusing leftover paint, helping us build a greener future for our planet and communities.

If you would like to purchase affordable paint you can find your nearest scheme here. Have a big project? If you need more than 60 litres you can order our remanufactured paint ReColour here. If you have paint that you would like to donate, find your nearest drop-off point here.