THE Community RePaint scheme has gone from strength to strength since launching in Devon’s recycling centres last summer, Devon County Council (DCC) has said.

Supporting thousands of households and community projects while cutting waste and promoting reuse across the county and run by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, who manage DCC’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), the scheme has already helped nearly 2,500 households, redistributing over 11,000 litres of reusable paint that would otherwise have gone to waste.

The initiative allows residents to donate usable leftover paint at HWRCs, where it is collected, checked, and made available for others to take away free of charge.

With the majority of Devon’s recycling centres now part of the UK‑wide Community RePaint network, the scheme is proving a simple but highly effective way to support communities and reduce disposal costs.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member responsible for waste services, said: ‘By doing this we are saving a good material from going to waste, as well as saving on disposal costs.

‘It’s a simple, effective way to reduce waste, support sustainability, and help local residents, charities and community groups access affordable decorating materials.

‘I am delighted that this scheme has been introduced and is working well’.

Jacqui Winterburn, Re‑use Area Coordinator for SUEZ, said the response has been overwhelmingly positive: ‘With an average of around 700 householders receiving free paint each month, it’s been a fantastic success.

‘Not only is it supporting the local community, but it’s also helping Devon residents to be more sustainable by keeping good-quality paint in use’.

For more information about how Community RePaint works and how to get involved, visit Home – Community RePaint.