How to dispose of paint, and why it cannot go in a skip

The short answer

No. Liquid paint cannot go in a skip or your household bins, because it leaks and contaminates the rest of the load. Take old paint to a West Sussex recycling centre, where all sites accept it, or give good leftovers away for reuse.

Why paint cannot go in a skip

It leaks when the skip is lifted and tipped. It soaks into wood, cardboard and other waste that would otherwise be recycled, and it can end up on the road.

Some types are also classed as hazardous. Oil-based gloss, varnish, wood stain and anything marked flammable on the tin need separate handling, so they cannot go in with general rubbish.

How to dispose of paint in West Sussex

• Recycling centre: every West Sussex recycling centre takes paint, including the Worthing tip. Water-based types go in the general waste container and flammable ones in the hazardous waste area. Book your slot first.
• Reuse: tins that are still usable can be donated at most recycling centres for someone else to use.
• Small leftovers: leave the lid off somewhere safe, or mix in sand or sawdust, until it goes hard. Ask your recycling centre how they want dried tins.

The mobile sites at Selsey and The Witterings do not take liquids, so use a full recycling centre.

What about empty paint tins?

An empty tin with only a dry skin inside is far less of a problem than a part-full one. Metal tins can often be recycled as scrap metal at a recycling centre, and plastic tubs go with hard plastics. Never put tins in your kerbside recycling bin, as leftovers can damage the sorting machines.

Clearing a house or garage full of tins?

Old sheds and garages often hide dozens of half-used tins. Set them to one side before you load your skip or book a garage clearance, then take the tins to the recycling centre separately. If you are not sure what something is, send us a photo and we will tell you what can go.

Common questions

Can you put empty paint tins in a skip?

Tell us first. Completely dry, empty tins are a different matter from tins with paint in, but liquid paint must never go in. If in doubt, take tins to a recycling centre.

How do you dispose of old paint?

Take it to a West Sussex recycling centre. All of them accept paint, and good leftovers can be donated for reuse. Small amounts can be left to dry out first.

Can paint go in the household bin?

No. West Sussex County Council asks people never to put paint in home bins, because it can spill in the collection lorry and leak onto the road.

Is gloss paint hazardous waste?

Oil-based and flammable paints are treated as hazardous, so they go in the hazardous area at the recycling centre. Check the label on the tin.

Do you collect paint with a house clearance?

We cannot take it in liquid form. We will clear everything else and leave the tins to one side so you can take them to a recycling centre.