Most businesses will end up with waste paint at some point. It could be leftover tins from a refurbishment, expired stock, paint that’s been contaminated or products that are no longer suitable for use.
Whatever the reason, waste paint shouldn’t simply be poured down a drain or thrown into a general waste bin. Depending on the type of paint and what’s in it, it may need to be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of through a specialist collection service.
If you’re unsure what to do with unwanted paint, this guide explains how businesses should store, dispose of and arrange collections for waste paint.
Is Paint Hazardous Waste?
It depends on the type of paint.
Water-based paints are often less hazardous than solvent-based products, but that doesn’t mean they can always be disposed of with general waste. Solvent-based paints, varnishes, thinners and many industrial coatings usually require specialist disposal because they contain chemicals that can be harmful to people and the environment.
The safest approach is to assume waste paint needs assessing before disposal, particularly if you’re dealing with commercial quantities or products used in industrial settings.
Which Businesses Produce Waste Paint?
Waste paint is generated across a wide range of industries.
Decorating contractors regularly have leftover paint after completing projects, while manufacturers may use specialist coatings as part of their production process. Body shops, engineering companies, construction firms, schools, local authorities and facilities management companies also dispose of paint from time to time.
Even offices can accumulate unwanted tins after refurbishment work or maintenance projects.
Whether you have a few tins or several pallets of unwanted paint, it’s worth making sure it’s disposed of properly.
Why Can’t Paint Go Down the Drain?
Paint can cause significant environmental damage if it’s allowed to enter drains, rivers or watercourses.
It can also interfere with wastewater treatment processes and contaminate other waste streams if it’s mixed with general rubbish.
For businesses, incorrect disposal could also result in breaches of environmental legislation, which is why it’s important to use an authorised waste management company.
How Should Waste Paint Be Stored?
Until it’s collected, waste paint should be kept in its original container wherever possible.
Lids should be securely fastened to prevent leaks, and containers should be stored upright in a dry, secure area away from drains and watercourses. If any containers are damaged, they should be transferred into suitable replacement packaging as soon as possible.
It’s also sensible to keep different types of paint separate. Mixing solvent-based and water-based paints can make disposal more complicated and increase costs.
If you regularly generate paint waste, Wastege can also supply suitable drums, containers and spill control products to help store it safely.
How Is Waste Paint Collected?
Some businesses only need a one-off collection after clearing out old stock or completing a refurbishment, while others produce waste paint as part of their day-to-day operations.
Collections can usually be arranged to suit your business, whether that’s a single collection or as part of an ongoing hazardous waste collection service.
If you’re not sure what type of service you need, a waste evaluation can help identify the most practical solution.
What Happens to Waste Paint?
Once collected, waste paint is taken to an authorised treatment facility where it’s assessed.
Some products can be recovered or recycled, while others require specialist treatment before they’re disposed of safely. The method used depends on the type of paint, its condition and whether it’s been contaminated.
The aim is always to recover as much material as possible while ensuring any hazardous substances are managed correctly.
How Much Does Paint Disposal Cost?
The cost of disposing of waste paint depends on several factors, including the type of paint, how much you need to dispose of and how it’s packaged.
A business with a handful of old tins will have very different requirements to a manufacturer disposing of large volumes of industrial coatings.
Rather than choosing the cheapest quote, it’s worth looking for a provider that offers reliable collections, straightforward advice and compliant disposal.
How Wastege Can Help
Wastege helps businesses dispose of waste paint safely and compliantly, whether you’re clearing out old stock or managing ongoing paint waste from commercial operations.
We’ll help identify the most appropriate disposal route, arrange collections that fit around your business and ensure your waste is handled responsibly. If you also produce other hazardous waste or general business waste, we can manage those services under one account to make waste management simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can businesses throw paint in a skip?
Not usually. Many types of paint require specialist disposal, particularly solvent-based and industrial paints.
Is water-based paint hazardous?
Not always, but it should still be assessed before disposal, especially in commercial quantities.
Can I pour leftover paint down the drain?
No. Paint should never be poured into drains or watercourses because it can damage the environment.
Can Wastege collect small quantities of waste paint?
Yes. Whether you have a few tins from an office refurbishment or larger volumes from commercial operations, we can recommend the most suitable collection service.
Arrange Waste Paint Collection
If your business has unwanted paint to dispose of, Wastege can help.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quotation and we’ll recommend the safest and most cost-effective way to dispose of your waste paint.