Unused
Paint

Unused Paint Recycling

To help minimize toxic substances from entering landfills, Nechako Bottle Depot has an unused-paint recycling program.

Some helpful reminders include:

  • Only consumer products are accepted. No industrial or specialty products are accepted at this time.
  • All returned paint must be in its original package/container.
  • When returning leftover paint, it must not be combined with other products.
  • All containers must be sealed.

Paint Recycling

Accepted paint materials include:

  • Interior and exterior water-based consumer paint
  • Interior and exterior oil-based consumer paint
  • Deck and floor coating
  • Varnish and urethane
  • Concrete and masonry paint
  • Drywall paint
  • Undercoats and primers
  • Stucco paint
  • Marine paint, unless registered under Pest Control Products Act
  • Wood finishing oil
  • Melamine, metal, and anti-rust paint, stain, and shellac
  • Swimming pool paint
  • Stain blocking paint
  • Textured paint
  • Block filler
  • Wood, masonry, driveway sealer, or water repellant
  • Already-empty paint containers

Paint materials that are not accepted include:

  • Unidentifiable or unlabelled containers
  • Brushes, rags, and rollers
  • Paint in glass containers
  • Improperly sealed paint containers
  • Paint containers with poor integrity (rusted or leaking)
  • Bulging containers
  • Industrial paints and finishes
  • Paints or wood preservatives that are registered as a pesticide under the Pest Control Products Act
  • Craft paint
  • Automotive paint
  • Two-part or component paints containing catalyst or activator
  • Roof patch or repair
  • Tar or tar/bitumen-based products
  • Traffic or line marking paint
  • Quick drying paint
  • Resins
  • Paint thinner, mineral spirits, or solvents
  • Deck cleaners
  • Colorants and tints
  • Caulking compound, epoxies, glues, or adhesives
  • Other household chemicals

Aerosol Paint Recycling

To ensure that Nechako Bottle Depot is not overwhelmed, we ask that you observe the voluntary limits of 10 containers or 50 spray paint containers per visit.

Accepted aerosol paint materials include:

  • Aerosol paint of all types
  • Automotive
  • Craft
  • Industrial
  • Containers up to 25 litres of household paint
  • Aerosol spray cans up to 660 grams or 24 ounces

When Buying Paint

A fresh coat of paint is an excellent way to spruce up a room. Not only does paint cover, protect, and improve the appearance of surfaces, but it also has a minimal environmental impact when the leftover product is properly disposed of.

When you’re starting a painting project, we encourage you to use the BUD Rule:

  • Buy no more than you need
  • Use all the paint you buy
  • Dispose of leftover paint safely

A paint retailer can help you determine how much paint is required for your project, reducing the likelihood of having any left over.

To store any leftover paint, clean the rim of the can to ensure a proper seal. Pour ⅛” or 3 mm of solvent on top of oil-based paint, or ⅛” or 3 mm of water on top of latex paint to seal the surface, then secure the lid.

An alternative method to store leftover paint is to stretch plastic wrap over the can’s opening, replace the lid securely, and store paint upside down to create an airtight seal.

Always store paint at a temperature between 3 degrees and 35 degrees Celsius, away from heat sources, and out of reach of children.