What can be returned?
The scheme is designed for leftover decorative paint and empty paint cans plastic or metal.
The scheme accepts decorative water-based and solvent-based paint from both consumers (DIY) and professional painters (Trade).
Any paint returned must be in its original packaging, and the labels legible, below are the examples of what can be accepted.
Please note: Participating retailers (B&Q) will accept water-based paints only.
Accepted Paint Containers
Before accepting products retail store site staff must firstly check the condition of the container for acceptance in the scheme, and then secondly check the product label to verify that it contains a product acceptable under the PaintCare scheme.
Accepted
• The product must be in its original container
• The container is labelled as containing an acceptable product (See accepted products)
• The container must be in good condition and not leaking
• The container contains decorative paint either water-based or solvent-based
Not Accepted
• The container is not original (e.g., paint was transferred into a jar)
• The container does not have an original label, or the contents cannot be clearly identified.
• The container is leaking or contains liquid paint but has no lid
Identifying Paint types
Water-based decorative paints
Most water-based paint products may carry the following VOC Globe symbols, though these are not a definitive test of the product being water-based, and older paints will not carry these symbols.
Some additional checks to help identify if it is water-based paint will be found on the side or rear of the paint can including:
• Wash your brushes in water or clean soapy water
• Clean up with water
Solvent or Oil-based decorative paints
If the Safety Label on the back of the can contains any of the below symbols, this can be accepted as a solvent/oil based decorative paint.
Hazardous paint products will likely carry the below symbols, though this is not a definitive test, as some older paints may not contain any symbols:
Some additional checks to help identify if it is solvent/oil based paint will be found on the side or rear of the paint can including:
• Wash your brushes with white Spirit or paint thinners or mineral spirits
If the Safety data label on the back of the pack shows any of the below symbols these are not accepted through the PaintCare scheme.
