Waste management

Waste is a problem for individuals, companies and the country as whole - from an economic perspective and well as an environmental point of view.

We at ICI Paints strive to develop new products and containers with reduced environmental impacts while still maintaining our quality performance standards. We also take practical steps to ensure our product manufacturing and distribution processes are carried out in such a way that pollution, waste and other environmental impacts are minimised.

There are also a number of things that you as a customer and end user can do to help.

Reduce

We continue to seek ways of reducing the amount of material that goes into our packaging, but you can also reduce the amount of paint you purchase by simply checking the coverage rates on the back of the can or on the product detail pages on this site.

Re-use

In order to be re-used once opened, paints must be stored correctly. Replacing the lid firmly then invert the can for a couple of seconds, thereby creating a seal which prevents the paint skinning. Store in an area which does not have extremes of temperatures and is protected from frost.

We donate our left-over paint to Community RePaint, which helps local community projects. If you'd like to learn more about this scheme or find out how to donate any excess paint, scheme visit www.communityrepaint.org.uk

Recycle

We are actively seeking to increase the amount of packaging material that is sourced from post-factory and post-consumer waste. The Glidden 15 litre ready mixed paint containers are already made from 25% recycled material.

We are also actively looking for ways to improve the recyclability of paint packaging and have trialled several construction site projects where containers have been recovered for recycling.

Final disposal

Whenever disposing of waste coatings (paint and woodcare) and containers, we recommend dealing with a reputable waste contractor (local authority or private contractor), to ensure that the regulations are complied with. Such a contractor will need to be given the relevant waste regulations code by you. We have reviewed the classification of waste decorative coatings (paints and woodcare) and containers according to the latest waste regulations (as given in Environment Agency guidance document WM2). Our general advice on this is as follows:

Advised method of disposal for paint and woodcare

• Use as much of the product from the container as possible, scraping out the last dregs with the brush
• Leave the lid off to allow residue to dry fully
• Allocate the waste regulations code for your item of waste according to our handy decision trees (PDF, 23k) and dispose of appropriately via your waste contractor

By following this advice and taking the time to deal with and classify your waste correctly you could reduce your waste disposal costs and reduce the creation of hazardous waste.

Merchants only: Advised Method of Disposal for Dulux Colourants & Containers.

Whenever disposing of waste Dulux Colourants and containers, we recommend dealing with a reputable waste contractor (local authority or private contractor), to ensure that the regulations are complied with. Such a contractor will need to be given the relevant waste regulations code by you. We have summarised the classification of waste Dulux Colourants and containers into codes according to the latest waste regulations (as given in Environment Agency guidance document WM21). Our general advice on this is as follows:

Part A - Recommended method of disposal of Dulux Colourant bottles

• Before commencing the decant of Dulux Colourant, shake the bottle fully, according to instruction.
• After decanting, remove as much of the product from the container as possible by physical or mechanical means (draining or scraping). Retain the lid.
• Leave the lid off to allow residue to dry fully.
• Replace the lid firmly.
• Allocate the waste regulations code for your item of waste and dispose of appropriately via your waste contractor (see help and decision trees below)

By following these steps, your Dulux Colourant bottles will be classified as dry Non-Hazardous waste 15 01 02 (plastic) and you could reduce your waste disposal costs and reduce the creation of hazardous waste. But to be certain we have put together simple decision trees (PDF, 14k) to help you identify the type of waste you are dealing with in most cases when handling Dulux Colourants. This information will be required by your waste contractor or any disposal centre.

Dulux Trade does include appropriate information in Section 13 of Safety Data Sheets on the specific waste codes of each product.

Part B - Recommended method of disposal of Dulux Colourant waste/purged Colourant containers

• Only dispense/collect waste and purged Colourant into a high quality metal can. This can be ordered via your rep, code T20281.
• When full, though not over flowing, seal the can with the correct lid. Apply strong adhesive tape to can and lid for additional security. Then label the can “Dulux Colourant Waste”
• Provided the Colourant is approximately an equal mixture of all 16 Colourants, this is now classified as non-Hazardous waste code 08 01 12.
• Dispose of appropriately via your waste contractor.

By following these steps, your Dulux Colourant waste/purged Colourant containers, provided the Colourant is approximately an equal mixture of all 16 Colourants, will be classified as Non-Hazardous waste 08 01 12 and you could reduce your waste disposal costs and reduce the creation of hazardous waste. If you do not follow this recommended method, or your waste is not an equal mixture of all 16 Colourants, your waste could be classified as Hazardous – see decision tree 4.