Paint

What?

This may be hazardous, check the label

Where?

This should be brought to a designated drop off area or civic amenity site, check the map for details.

How?

Non-hazardous paint can be donated for reuse via a number of household civic amenity sites. To maximise opportunities for reuse, the unwanted paint should be brought to those civic amenity sites before it becomes out of date or hardened.

Your waste collector is unable to accept liquid paint, as liquid wastes are banned from landfill sites, so if you can't use it up or find it a good home by giving it away you will need to harden it before disposal. You can buy a paint hardener, or add sawdust, sand or soil to the tin and leave the lid off until the paint becomes solid and dry (please pierce the dried paint before taking it to a household civic amenity site to make sure it's fully hardened). Solvent based paint, paint thinner and white spirit should be disposed of as hazardous waste.

General Comment / Tip

Keep your paint in tip top condition...

When opening lids, do so carefully to avoid damaging the can sealing ring, protect the paint from frost and extreme temperatures as these can damage the paint. To stop your paint from drying out - ensure the lid is on securely and tightly; tip the container upside down for a few seconds (this will help stop a skin forming on the paint); store the paint containers in an upright position

Pass it on...
If you have unwanted paint, which is still usable there are several ways you can dispose of it. Ask family and friends - it might be perfect for a painting project they have in mind.

There are a growing number of paint reuse schemes operating in Ireland. You can find out more about paint reuse and locate where you can donate or purchase reused paint with the Paint Reuse Network (www.paintreuse.network).