The Haz Guide

At the moment there is no producer responsibility for the paint industry. As detailed in the ENDS Report 394, November 2007, paint and varnish manufacturers and suppliers are set to work with Government on a scheme to minimise the volumes of paint thrown away by consumers.

The British Coatings Federation says it is ‘poised’ to discuss with Defra how to tackle the 28,000 tonnes of paint and varnish entering the waste stream each year, which could increase by 30% by 2020. Defra’s Market Transformation Programme (MTP) suggests the Government consider a producer responsibility scheme, a ban on sending paint and varnish to landfill and conduct research into paint composition. There were also suggestions from MTP for retailers to increase the number of drop off points for leftover paint and varnish, buying back unopened tins for resale and providing better advice to customers to estimate how much paint they need.

ICI Paints has sponsored Community RePaint since its inception, and provides technical support and advice to Resource Futures, who manages the initiative. It is now ICI Paints’ strategy to secure industry-wide support for the programme and Resource Futures is in dialogue with ICI, national coatings manufacturers and the British Coatings Federation with regard to the role Community RePaint can play in delivering the requirements of the Waste Strategy 2007 for waste paint. This states that the Government intends to take forward work on decorative paints with a view to discussing the scope for voluntary agreements to increase separate collection, recovery and recycling of paint.

Community RePaint is also working closely with national DIY retailers (e.g. Homebase and B&Q), the trade (e.g. Dulux Decorator Centres) and has growing links with the trade body, the Painting and Decorating Association.