Buckinghamshire Residents Encouraged to Share Surplus Paint Through New Reuse Initiative

A new scheme at three Buckinghamshire Household Waste Recycling Centres will give unwanted water-based paint a second life, helping residents, community groups and charities access free paint while reducing waste.

The partnership scheme between FCC Environment and Buckinghamshire Council accepts donations of unwanted water-based paint that others can then take free of charge to use in their homes. This is a new reuse initiative at Aston Clinto, High Wycombe, and Beaconsfield Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). 

The scheme aims to keep usable paint in circulation for longer by providing an opportunity for residents to pass on surplus materials that can still be put to good use. Rather than being discarded, suitable paint can be collected by local people, charities and community organisations for decorating projects, helping to save money while reducing unnecessary waste. Residents collecting paint will simply be asked to complete a short form before leaving the site. 

Each year, recycling centres receive thousands of paint tins, many of which still contain perfectly usable paint. Through this initiative, Buckinghamshire Council and FCC Environment are working together to ensure more of this material can be reused within local communities rather than entering the waste stream. 

Residents wishing to donate paint are asked to ensure that: 

• The paint is water-based only 

• Containers are clearly labelled and securely sealed 

• Paint has not dried out or become contaminated 

• Tins are in good condition and safe to handle 

 Ade Osibogun, Buckinghamshire’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change & Waste, said: 

"Why spend money on a new tin of paint when there's perfectly good paint ready and waiting to be used? This scheme makes it easy for residents to pass on paint they no longer need and for others to pick it up free of charge for home improvements or school, charity and community projects. It's a fantastic way to reduce waste, save money and make the most of resources that still have plenty of life left in them – it’s a win-win all round.” 

 Gemma Green, Reuse Development Manager for FCC Environment, said: 

"A significant amount of paint brought to our recycling centres is still perfectly usable, and this scheme provides an opportunity to put that paint back into the hands of people who need it. Whether it's brightening up a community hall, supporting a charity project or tackling a decorating job at home, reusable paint can make a real difference. We're delighted to be working with Buckinghamshire Council to make this resource available free of charge and encourage more reuse across the county." 

The Paint Reuse Scheme forms part of Buckinghamshire Council's wider efforts to reduce waste, encourage reuse and support a more sustainable approach to resource management across the county. 

For more information, visit www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk (external site) or speak to staff at participating HWRCs.