With the projected increase in painting activity as part of the rebuild of Christchurch, it is important to consider how you dispose of leftover paint and wash paint brushes.
Paints are made up of a combination of resins, pigments, solvents and additives. If you wash brushes or paint tins in a driveway or roadside gutter, the untreated waste can end up in our waterways via the storm-water system.
Environment Canterbury has spoken with local painters and is working with paint manufacturers and suppliers to help inform people about correct paint handling methods to ensure our local waterways are protected.
Below is some useful information for home handymen and trade workers.
Avoid paint waste
The best was to avoid paint waste is to just buy what you need. Work out exactly the amount of paint you require for a job and then only buy that amount. Your paint retailer can help you do this if you know the surface area you need to cover.
Use it up or give it away
Use leftover paint for touch-ups or apply another coat instead of disposing of it. If you are giving it away, make sure it is in the original container with the label intact.
Dispose of it safely
Small amounts can be left to dry by removing the lid in an area away from children or animals. When the paint is completely dry, the paint and container can then be disposed of in your general rubbish.
- Don’t tip paint down storm water drains or down the household sink or toilet.
- Don’t pour onto the ground.
- Don’t mix with other wastes.
Large amounts of leftover or unwanted paint should be taken to a ‘household hazardous waste drop-off’ facility or a privately operated scheme such as the Resene PaintWise facility.
Paint Recovery Schemes
Both Dulux and Resene offer a paint take back scheme where you can drop off your unwanted pain and know that it will be taken care of correctly.
To find out more contact your nearest store or check out these websites:
- Dulux or phone 0800 800 424
- Resene or phone 0800 737 363.
Professional/ Trade Painters
If you are paid to paint, your waste is classified as “trade waste” and you should be considering a commercial system to suit your needs:
Dulux Envirowash and Resene Washwise are portable wastewater treatment systems designed for trade professionals such as painters and other trades. Contact your paint supplier for further details or other options.
NOTE : The unauthorised discharge of trade waste is a breach of the Resource Management Act 1991, if you do not dispose of trade waste appropriately, you could be fined or prosecuted.
Cans and containers
- Steel paint cans are recyclable but must be clean and dry.
- Plastic containers (with the paint scraped out) are also recyclable at transfer stations.
- Empty aerosol cans may be recycled or disposed of as general rubbish. Don’t puncture aerosol cans or throw into an incinerator.
- Both steel and plastic containers are accepted at Resene PaintWise Collection Centres
Brushes and rollers
For water-based paints:
- At the end of the job, wipe or squeeze excess paint onto an absorbent material, such as old rags, shredded newspapers or cardboard boxes.
- Allow to dry and dispose of with household waste.
- Wash brushes, rollers and other equipment with water in a 20 litre container.
- Transfer the washed equipment to a second container filled with clean water for a final rinse.
- Place lids on the containers or cover in some other secure manner and allow to stand overnight. This allows for the paint solids to sink to the bottom.
- In the morning, the clear water from the first container can be poured onto the garden or open area where it can be absorbed into the ground.
- The paint solids can now be left to dry and then disposed of in household rubbish.
- The second container (containing the rinse water) now becomes the first container.
- Use this rotation system until the job is complete.
For solvent-based paints use the same system with these exceptions:
- Use solvents to wash equipment.
- Allow the first container at least 24 hours to settle.
- Do not pour the clear solvent onto the ground – decant and keep for future use.
- Use the smallest container and the least amount of solvent you can.
Other tips:
- Wash your brushes on your lawn under a hose so the paint gets absorbed in to the soil.
- Alternatively, you can wash your brushes in the laundry tub as the paint gets treated as part of the city's normal sewerage system.
- Save unnecessary washing by wrapping a paintbrush in cling wrap, this will prevent the paint drying on the brush for at least an hour – ideal for lunch breaks. Similarly, put your roller into a plastic bag and tape it around the handle.
- To save you cleaning brushes and rollers whenever work is interrupted (overnight for example), immerse brushes and rollers in a container of water. A plastic pail with a tight-fitting lid is ideal when moving from one work site to another.
Radio adverts
Find out how to responsibly use and dispose of your paint. Use your brain, not the drain.
Advertisements running during March-April 2012 on radio stations including Rock, Hauraki, Radio Sport, More FM, Sound, and Classic Hits. Listen to the radio advertisements: