A better paint job - Ilkeston HWRC offers free paint!

Budding DIY residents of Erewash who need a bit of paint or maybe a whole tin, or who have unused paint taking up space in garages or sheds are being invited to take advantage of a new service introduced by Derbyshire County Council.

The authority wants to marry these two elements together to help residents to save money, and to help cut waste - a strategy which is seen as being a win-win situation for everyone.

The county council’s household waste recycling centres are giving away full or part used tins of water-based paint that have been brought to the centres for disposal. 

In recent years the amount of paint brought to the recycling centres has more than doubled. While disposing of paint in the correct way is welcome, the doubling of quantity has been at a time when disposal costs have greatly increased. Last year 479 tonnes of paint were handed in, costing £450,000 to dispose of. 

Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Simon Spencer said: “This common-sense solution will save residents money, cut waste, help the environment and mitigate some of the paint disposal costs that we have to pay.

“Reducing waste supports our Net Zero ambitions to reduce the amount of carbon emissions generated in Derbyshire in partnership with residents, businesses, other local councils, interest groups and the government. 

“I hope our residents will take up the free paint and continue to reduce, reuse and recycle. It all makes a difference.”

You can bring both water-based and solvent or oil-based paint for disposal to all the 9 recycling centres including the Ilkeston HWRC on the Manners Industrial Estate, in household quantities and in full or part tins. 

Free water-based paint will be available, but solvent or oil based (hazardous) paint will not be given away and will continue to be disposed of safely. If you bring any of this to a recycling centre please hand it over to a recycling advisor. 

The county council is keen to encourage as many ways of re-use as possible. It will give away as much of the water-based paint as it can but before bringing it to the recycling centres residents may also like to offer it on local What’s App or other channels or donate it to an organisation such as Community Repaint.

The invite is to go along and take what you can use before transporting it safely away – lids will have been secured, but those taking any items are being encouraged to check. Recycling advisors will point you to the paint – though they may not feel able to comment on your colour schemes!

Residents may want to visit at the less busy times which are during the week and before 10am or after 4pm. 

Find out more: What can and can't be accepted at recycling centres - Derbyshire County Council