Leading paint manufacturers and retailers have joined forces to trial a new system designed to improve how leftover decorative paint and empty packaging are collected, reused and recycled across the UK.
PaintCare UK is a voluntary, industry-funded initiative led by the British Coatings Federation (BCF) on behalf of UK paint manufacturers.
The regional pilot took place across the West Midlands Combined Authority area during the first half of 2026, allowing tradespeople and consumers to return qualifying leftover decorative paint and empty packaging to selected participating retailers.
The pilot brought together several major paint brands, including Dulux, Johnstone’s Paint, Crown Paints, Craig & Rose, Valspar and Little Greene.
Participating retail partners included B&Q, Brewers Decorator Centres, Dulux Decorator Centres and Johnstone’s Decorating Centres.
Waste and recycling company Biffa was responsible for managing the safe collection, transportation and treatment of the returned paint and packaging.
Clear PaintCare return areas were introduced within participating stores, with paint and packaging handed directly to a member of staff.
PaintCare UK estimates that approximately 55 million litres of waste decorative paint are generated across the UK each year.
A large proportion currently enters the domestic waste stream, where it may be sent to landfill or separated and handled as hazardous waste at a considerable cost.
The long-term ambition of PaintCare UK is to increase the proportion of leftover paint being reused or remanufactured from approximately 2% to 75% by 2032.
The regional trial was developed to assess several important areas, including:
The information gathered during the pilot is expected to help shape a proposed national system, with a wider UK rollout currently planned for 2027.
Managing leftover coatings and packaging responsibly can be challenging for businesses, particularly when disposal options differ depending on the product and whether it is classified as hazardous waste.
A widely available return scheme could provide tradespeople with a clearer and more accessible route for dealing with suitable leftover decorative paint and packaging.
Professional sprayers must still follow the relevant product guidance and their legal responsibilities when storing, transporting or disposing of business and hazardous waste. Products should never be taken to a collection point without first checking that they are accepted by the scheme.
Reducing waste and improving access to responsible disposal options are becoming increasingly important across the coatings sector.
The PaintCare UK pilot represents a significant example of manufacturers, retailers and waste specialists working together to explore a practical, industry-wide solution.
UKSA welcomes initiatives that help professional businesses reduce waste, work responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable future for the spraying and coatings industry.
