What was their motivation?Did you know Australian’s throw away around 7.3 million litres of unwanted paint every year? In 2016 the leaders of the paint industry embarked on a journey to take responsibility for the large volumes of paint and packagingentering landfill and established a collection network and treatment process for both trade and DIY painters. The result was Paintback. This world-first initiative collects unwanted paint tins from householders and professional painters via dedicated drop-off points then uses the leftover paint as an energy source and recycles the empty tubs and tins. Pretty clever stuff! What are they doing?
Transcript - What is PaintbackThe below text is a transcript of the video "Cleanaway & Paintback Animation". [Voiceover] At Cleanaway we see a bright future for waste paint. In Australia millions of litres go to waste every year - enough to fill around 187,000 wheelie bins or coat the Sydney Harbour Bridge 166 times. In fact it's one of the biggest sources of liquid waste in our landfills. That's why we’re proud to support Paintback. It's a world first scheme that makes it easier for people to do the right thing and keep paint out of landfill so it can be transformed into a valuable resource. *** Step 1 – Collection Paintback have Cleanaway and council drop off points in every state and territory across the country. More sites are continually being added, giving trade painters and the public convenient places to dispose of their waste paint. Up to 100 litres of eligible products can be dropped off per visit. Step 2 – Processing Once collected, the paint is transferred to one of Cleanaway’s liquid treatment plants where it’s sorted into water and oil base types, and extracted from tins using specialist equipment. Step 3 - Re-use Plastic and metal packaging is sent for recycling, ready to be transformed into new products. Water-based paints are treated and recycled through our treatment plants. The treated by-product is used as a composting feedstock as well as a substitute for fresh water in industrial applications. Oil based paints are processed to provide an alternate source of energy to Australia's largest manufacturers. These are some of the ways to turn waste paint into something extraordinary. *** Over the next five years Cleanaway and Paintback are aiming to collect more than 45,000 tonnes of waste paint reducing significant quantities of landfill; repurposing thousands of tonnes of material into new products; and creating resources to power vital industries in our communities. Cleanaway is proud to be supporting Paintback and working hand-in-hand with trade painters, Australia households and industry in making a sustainable future possible. [END] What impact is Paintback making?
What does the future hold for Paintback?By 2022 Paintback aims for 85% of Australian households to be located within 20km of a collection site and to have recycled 45 million kilograms of unwanted paint. Paintback is also investing in research and development to achieve 100% diversion from landfill for water-based paint and plastic packaging. How can you get on board?We all have leftover paint. It’s time to venture into the shed or the back of the garage, take stock of what you don’t need and deal with it responsibly.
How do I dispose of paint near me?California residents and businesses can now recycle leftover paint for free at local retail stores. For locations and program details, visit www.PaintCare.org or call 855-724-6809. You may also dispose of unused oil and latex paint by doing the following: Drop off at a mobile Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.
How do I get rid of unwanted paint?Unwanted paint can be donated to organisation such as Community Repaint who redistribute it to community groups and those in social need. If you can't use it all up or find a good home for your paint, you will need to harden it before taking to a Recycling Centre - find your nearest below.
Does Bunnings take old paint?Sign me up!
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.
How do you dispose of paint in Hobart?Paint and most other household chemicals can be disposed of free at Household Chemical CleanOut events. These are held in various locations in NSW on specified dates, usually 9am-3.30pm. This service is free.
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