Tag: Paint

Community RePaint Wirral Helps Transform Veolia’s GoodBox Reuse Initiative

Photo courtesy of: https://www.merseyside-and-halton.veolia.co.uk/goodbox

Community RePaint Wirral has proudly supported a new circular economy initiative in the Liverpool. The GoodBox, an innovative reuse container operated by Veolia, is colourful and eye-catching thanks to Recipro providing preloved paint.

The GoodBox is a travelling container that will be stationed at various Household Waste Recycling Centres across Merseyside and Halton. Its purpose is simple: to match unwanted items donated by local residents with the needs of community groups, charities, schools, and social enterprises. The initiative is being rolled out to ensure valuable materials are reused rather than thrown away, giving them a meaningful second life.

The Good Box is a project created in partnership with Veolia and Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority.

Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Veolia to give our residents’ unwanted items a new lease of life. The GoodBox is a fantastic way to show that one person’s spring clean can be another person’s gold mine. By working together, we’re making it easier than ever to keep good-quality materials in circulation.”

The GoodBox operates on a simple model:

  • A community organisation applies to “adopt” The GoodBox.
  • Their requested items—such as tools, gardening equipment, craft materials, or DIY supplies—are listed on the GoodBox chalkboard.
  • Local residents visiting the HWRC donate directly to that project by placing requested items into the container.
  • At the end of the month, the adopting organisation collects the items for use in their project.
Photo courtesy of: https://www.merseyside-and-halton.veolia.co.uk/Dontbinitboxit

 

To support the initiative’s launch and community appeal, Community RePaint Wirral provided reused paint to help decorate The GoodBox. Supplying preloved paint for The GoodBox was a natural fit for Community RePaint Wirral run by Recipro. They diverts large volumes of leftover paint from the waste stream—over 1,000,000 litres and counting—turning potential waste into a valuable community resource.
Learn more about The GoodBox. 
If you have a project that required RePainting, find your local Community RePaint.

Closing the Loop on Paint, a Mylands and InUse ReUse Partnership

InUse ReUse is a social enterprise committed to preventing usable materials from becoming waste. Originally focused on collecting and redistributing surplus construction materials, InUse ReUse has expanded into the DIY space to scale its impact and bring circular economy principles directly to customers.

Founded in 1884 and still manufacturing in Lambeth, London, Mylands is Britain’s oldest family-owned paint manufacturer.

Through connections made within the Community RePaint network, InUse ReUse now collects Mylands’ mistinted and surplus batches of paint, repackages them, and sells them through its online platform and The Remakery in Brixton.

This partnership approach:

• Prevents high-quality paint from going to waste
• Makes sustainable, premium paint accessible at lower price points
• Provide a consistent production output of same colour paints
• Extends the life of existing materials in line with circular economy principles
• Creates a scalable model for reuse beyond traditional donation based systems

Each stage of the process from collection to resale is designed to retain value, reduce environmental impact and challenge the assumption that DIY products must be newly manufactured to be desirable.

Dennis Boateng, founder of InUse ReUse, says “Working with Mylands has shown just how much high‑quality paint can be saved from becoming waste when manufacturers and reuse organisations collaborate. Together, we’re proving that surplus materials can have a second life—and that circular solutions can be both commercially viable and environmentally impactful.”

A spokesperson for Mylands said, “At Mylands, we are recognised by our to sustainability, including the development of plant-based, low VOC paints using natural fillers and binders. Working with InUse ReUse ensures we have a route for surplus paint generated through mis-tinted batches, cancelled orders and leftover ingredients can be redistributed responsibly, extending product life while maintaining the brand’s premium quality standards.”

This collaboration is already reducing waste, lowering carbon impact, and increasing access to sustainable DIY products. On top of that, it serves as a blueprint for future partnerships.

InUse ReUse aims to continue expanding its paint offering while working with manufacturers and reuse networks to create resilient, low waste supply chains across the DIY and construction sectors. By embedding reuse into both physical operations and digital retail, they are helping redefine what sustainable DIY looks like proving that surplus materials can be high quality, desirable and commercially viable.

Want to help close the loop on paint? Find your local Community RePaint organisation here.

B&Q Joins UK Paintcare Trial to Boost Paint Reuse and Recycling

Customers visiting selected B&Q stores can return leftover paint as part of a take back trial. Once collected, the paint will be assessed for reuse or remanufactured into new paint products.
Items that can’t be reused will be disposed of safely and responsibly. Insights from this trial will help shape a national system capable of dramatically increasing reuse, recycling and remanufacturing rates.
The PaintCare drop‑off service is currently available at the following B&Q locations:

  • B&Q Coventry – Alvis Retail Park, CV5 8BW
  • B&Q Coventry Brandon Road – Binley Woods, CV3 2JD
  • B&Q Halesowen – Mucklow Hill, B62 8EP
  • B&Q Kidderminster – Green Street, DY10 1AX
  • B&Q Solihull – Marshall Lake Road, B90 4RB
  • B&Q Wolverhampton – Black Country Route, WV14 0QL
  • B&Q Wednesbury – Gallagher Retail Park, WS10 9QY

The trial is also running across several other national decorating retailers, including Brewers Decorator Centres, Dulux Decorator Centres, and Johnstone’s Decorating Centres, helping test how a large‑scale circular system for decorative paint could function across the UK.
Community RePaint has played a key role in supporting the development of the UK PaintCare initiative. While Community RePaint focuses on redistributing reusable paint back into communities, PaintCare aims to address the full spectrum of leftover decorative paint — including recycling pathways for products that cannot be reused.
These efforts support a more circular future for paint in the UK, reducing waste, supporting community reuse, and conserving valuable resources.

Tenants homes brightened in Glasgow

A pilot scheme has seen new tenants benefit with some home improvements- with over 1,500 litres of paint being reused since the project’s inception

Working in partnership with Community RePaint Glasgow since July 2025, Queens Cross Housing Association has provided preloved paint packs to new tenants where the decoration of their property has been deemed to be below a reasonable standard.

How does it work?

Once a tenant’s home has been identified as needing a fresh lick of paint, Queens Cross work with Emmaus to supply them with the required paint needed to decorate their home.

The tenant chooses which colour they’d like, and once the order has been confirmed Emmaus deliver the paint pack to their home within 24 hours.

Emmaus redistribute paint that would otherwise be going to waste, and has been saved from landfill or incineration through reuse or remanufacture.

Emmaus Paint Project (2)More than 50 properties have received improvements through the scheme – with over 1,500 litres of paint being reused since the project’s inception. Feedback from tenants who have benefitted from the project has been extremely positive.

Richard Allwood, Chief Executive of Emmaus Glasgow, said:

“The paint pack scheme is a win-win for everyone. Paint products, which would otherwise go to landfill, is being reused in the community with new Queens Cross tenants seeing their homes improved […] They are also saving money from not having the cost of buying paint from high-street stores which can be expensive.”

Who are Emmaus Glasgow?

Emmaus Glasgow is a homelessness charity which provides purpose-built accommodation, support, training and work opportunities for up to 27 people with experience of homelessness.

Emmaus Paint Project (1)Everyone has their own bedroom and bathroom, and access to shared areas where people can eat, get together and wash their clothes.

It’s also a social enterprise with charity shops based in Hamiltonhill and Partick. These shops sell a range of new and reused furniture, homeware and clothing.

These charity shops help generate the funds needed to sustain Emmaus Glasgow’s home and support for people who have been homelessness.

Based at 101 Ellesmere Street, the Hamiltonhill charity shop is open Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. Pop along for a visit, have a chat and pick up a bargain.

Emmaus Colchester Launches Sustainable Decorating Hub

This vital initiative, run by the homelessness charity Emmaus, aims to help the public reduce waste by reusing paint.
The hub addresses a particular need locally. They are aiming to make home renovations more accessible and affordable. This is especially important for low-income tenants and renters who are often moving into homes that are an empty shell. 
Customers can purchase full or part tins of reclaimed paint that has been saved from landfill or incineration. The scheme also stocks ReColour, our remanufactured paint. 
Beyond paint, the hub provides tools and equipment for sale or hire, and training sessions to teach necessary decorating skills. It also functions as a centre point for community painting projects, offering materials and painting volunteers.

Chief Exec, Brian Cook says:

“If there’s a scout hut that needs painting, they can come to us and we’ll provide the paint and a group of volunteers to get it done.”

He adds; “What we’ve got on offer is incredible. I’m really proud of what the team has done in getting here.”

The scheme is managed by Chris Mengell, who secured a full-time role after receiving support from Emmaus. 
The Decorating Hub welcomes household donations of usable full or part tins, but donators must book an appointment before dropping off.  Businesses and traders can also contact the hub regarding surplus paint collection. 
Click here to learn more. You can also follow their progress by following them on Instagram or Facebook.

Paint reuse is getting ‘Legenderry’

We’re delighted to welcome Repair and Share Foyle to the Community RePaint Network and celebrate the launch of their exciting new project, ‘Legenderry Colours’!

Every year, up to 50 million litres of paint goes to waste in the UK — the majority of of it still perfectly usable. By joining our network, Repair and Share Foyle is tackling this challenge head-on by enabling paint reuse.

The 15th November marked the official launch of Legenderry Colours, where their Paint and Innovation Technician, Gareth Loughrey, demonstrated the process of turning leftover paint into high-quality, affordable products.

Soon, customers will be able to purchase remixed paint in Derry-themed colours for as little as £2 per litre — making decorating more affordable while reducing waste.

Welcome to the network, Repair and Share Foyle!

Tattershall welcomes Lincolnshire’s third free Community RePaint Store

The new store, which opened on Monday 23 June 2025 at Tattershall Household Waste Recycling Centre, offers residents access to free, reusable paint and sits alongside the site’s established Reuse Shop.

Together, they provide a convenient and environmentally friendly way to pick up everything from household paint to pre-loved furniture, garden tools, and bric-a-brac – helping residents save money and reduce waste.

The Community RePaint initiative collects unused, leftover paint that would otherwise go to waste and makes it available to local people completely free of charge. Whether you’re refreshing a room or tackling a creative project, the store offers a wide variety of paints in different colours and finishes.

Cllr Danny Brookes, executive member for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’re really pleased to see the Community RePaint network expanding across Lincolnshire. These stores offer a brilliant way for residents to get access to free paint, save money, and do their bit for the environment at the same time.

“The new store at Tattershall complements the Reuse Shop perfectly, giving good-quality items and materials a second chance at life.”

This latest opening follows the successful launches at the Louth and Grantham Household Waste Recycling Centres. So far, more than 4,000 of litres of paint have been redistributed across the county, supporting local families, community projects and DIYers alike.

Residents looking to take advantage of the Community RePaint scheme – either by dropping paints off or taking any from the store – simply need to speak to a member of staff on site.

One of the first community groups to benefit from the new site were Curo-lincs, with staff collecting free paint to use at their therapy farm. Based at Thornton Le Fen, the team provides health, social and wellbeing services for vulnerable people through nature and animal assisted therapy.

The types of paint available depends on what has been brought for reuse, but most paint types are accepted.

The Tattershall Community RePaint Store is open to all visitors to the recycling centre during the hours of 9am and 4pm on Fridays to Tuesday, and the Reuse Shop is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9am to 3pm.

Looking for your local donation of paint pick-up store? Use Our Community RePaint postcode search here.

Lincolnshire’s Second Community RePaint Store Opens in Louth

At Community RePaint, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the second free community paint store in Lincolnshire at Louth Household Waste Recycling Centre. Run by Lincolnshire County Council, this new location continues the Community RePaint mission to reduce paint waste and support local communities.

Lincolnshire residents can now donate their leftover paint, which will then be available for free for others to collect—whether for a home DIY project, a community initiative, or a charitable cause. This expansion follows the overwhelming success of the first Lincolnshire RePaint scheme in Grantham, which has already saved 1,000 litres of paint from going to waste since its opening in December 2024.

Cllr Daniel McNally, executive councillor for waste at Lincolnshire County Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative:

“Each year, 55 million litres of perfectly good paint is wasted across the UK. We see a lot of this at our recycling centres—some tins barely used. By offering free RePaint stores, we are reducing waste and providing a valuable resource to local residents and groups. It’s a win-win.”

The Louth RePaint branch is part of a wider effort by Lincolnshire County Council to rethink waste management and promote reuse. Alongside the Community RePaint sites, the council also runs a Reuse Shop at Tattershall, where pre-loved items, from furniture to electronics, can find new homes at affordable prices.

Anyone looking to donate or collect paint from Community RePaint Louth simply needs to speak to a staff member on-site. The selection of available paint depends on donations, but most common types are accepted.

Our community RePaint is a UK-wide network, proudly sponsored by Dulux, with over 80 schemes in operation nationwide. We’re proud to see Lincolnshire expanding its commitment to sustainability, and we look forward to helping even more communities transform spaces with reused paint.

To find your local drop-off/ collection point for reusable paint head to: https://communityrepaint.org.uk/

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.