RePaint Scheme Takes Broad-Brush Approach to Recycling

Down District Council Recycling Operatives Martin English and Dan Wallace appeal for unwanted paints, varnishes and wood stains. Donations can be made at Ballykine Household Recycling Centre, Ballynahinch and Bann Road Household Recycling Centre, Castlewellan.[/caption] The ‘Community RePaint’ scheme aims to recycle good quality, non-hazardous paints, varnishes and wood stains for reuse which will in turn divert them from going to landfill. East Belfast Mission’s Social Economy Department will use the recycled paint in their furniture reuse scheme, for social housing and for direct sale through their restore shops. All monies generated will go back into social and community projects. Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Coogan explained: “Last yearxa0332 million litres of paint were sold in the UK. Of this, it is estimated that approximatelyxa050 million litresxa0were unused… xa0that’s enough paint to fillxa020 Olympic-sized swimming pools! I would urge people to clear out their own garage or shed and bring suitable paint, varnishes and wood stains to either Ballynahinch or Castlewellan Recycling Centres. “Most householders will have been confronted with the problem of what to do with perfectly good paint left after home decoration. Making the paint available for reuse through this scheme is good for the environment, good for the community and reduces costs to local councils.” Donations of paint can be made at Ballykine Household Recycling Centre, Ballynahinch, and Bann Road Household Recycling Centre, Castlewellan and Down District Council will accept most unwanted paint products, although any paint containers marked with an orange hazardous symbol cannot be accepted.]]>