Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
By /
Making a mess is all part of the D.I.Y. process, but we all want to protect the environment while prettying up our homes. If your old paint cans are going to landfill, or you’re wish-cycling them into the recycling bin – a definite no-no for many councils – you’ll be glad to know there’s a better way, and it doesn’t involve leaving old paint tins to languish in the shed.
The first way to avoid wasting paint is to not buy more than you need. Measure up and use a paint calculator to make sure you’re not buying 10 litres for a four-litre job. If you’ve still got leftovers, don’t be afraid to get creative – use it to upcycle an old chair or give the dog’s kennel a new look! Whatever’s left in the tin, plus the tin itself, can be responsibly disposed of with Paintback.
Wrap up your next D.I.Y. project by taking the leftover paint to Paintback.
Paintback is a scheme that collects unwanted paint and packaging, diverting it away from landfill and vital waterways. It was founded in 2016 by the Australian paint industry and major paint companies, who supply around 90 per cent of all architectural and decorative paint sold in Australia.
Old or unwanted paint containers are collected by Paintback with any leftover paint inside – this includes undercoats, primers, deck coatings, varnishes and more. The containers are recycled (when not contaminated) and turned into new packaging materials.
The solvent paint is used as an alternative energy source, replacing fossil fuels in cement kilns. Water is separated from acrylic paint, with the by-product used in a variety of industrial applications.
Paintback is also funding research to find new ways to recycle paint packaging and water-based paint, and to recover valuable ingredients. The aim is to ensure all paint and paint packaging in Australia will be reclaimed, recycled or converted into energy.
Paintback can handle both empty and full tins, processing paint through various channels, including into energy.
Use the Paintback website to locate the nearest collection point (there are over 155 of them throughout Australia), or check the website or Facebook page for mobile events near you. Simply take your old paint to the collection point, where they’ll be stored ready for Paintback to pick up. All the hard work is done for you and you become an awesome Paintbacker. Well done, you!
Explore our great range of paint and paint accessories.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
