Since the last post, Dulux Decorator Centres have seen more interest than ever in our can recycling service.

Painters and decorators from across the UK are dropping off their empty tins of paint to be turned into recycled plastic piping, or steel tools, and their customers are thrilled to hear that their painting project is greener than ever before.

But Dulux need to make it clear that they can’t accept every single type of can. Some materials can’t be recycled, and others need expert treatment that we can’t yet provide. And some types of container are just plain dangerous.

So before you head to your nearest Dulux Decorator Centre store, here’s a quick list of what can and can’t be recycled:

What can be recycled

● Dulux's own products: We know what’s in a Dulux paint or Dulux Woodcare can, because we made it. So we can usually recycle it.
● Partner brands’ products: The same goes for Armstead, Cuprinol and Sikkens woodcare products and Hammerite in metal or plastic cans
● Cans of Dulux's most common paints: If a can contained water-based or solvent-based paints, we’ll take it.
● The most common paint formulations: Emulsions, gloss paints, undercoats and primers, floor paints, exterior paints and masonry paints? Bring the cans!

For most painters and decorators, that list covers almost every paint or coating that you’d use on a project. But there are a few things you need to make sure of before you return your cans:

● Make sure they’re empty: Dulux can’t take cans with wet paint residue, or that are half full. But remember, you can donate leftover paint to Community Repaint.
● Treat them well: And Dulux can’t accept leaking cans or wet paint cans without a lid.

Unfortunately, even if you follow these rules, there are a few kinds of cans that just can’t be recycled at the moment.

They include:

● Specialist paints: There are some industrial paints containing compounds that can’t be safely treated before the recycling process, so unfortunately these can’t currently be recycled
● Aerosol paint cans: Even when empty, pressurised aerosol cans are dangerous, especially when they’re handled roughly. Like when they’re being melted down during the recycling process.
● Complex containers: Cuprinol Sprayers, Sprayable Plus and Paint Pods with attached cans are complex things, and can’t be broken down and recycled. So unfortunately, can’t be taken.

If it’s an AkzoNobel decorative paint can, it’s not leaking, and it’s empty, they can happily accept and recycle your cans.

Find out more about the can recycling scheme here.