Paint Disposal Australia | Wash-Up, Storage, Reuse & Paintback

Leftover paint is a fact of life. The good news: Australia has a world-leading solution in Paintback—a national scheme supported by all major paint brands, including Wattyl. This guide covers smart storage, reuse and donation, safe wash-up, and how to drop leftovers legally so nothing ends up in drains or landfill.

Quick links:
• Wattyl FAQs — Paintback levy & recycling: Wattyl FAQs
• Environmental credentials — Paintback member: Wattyl Environmental Credentials
• Find a drop-off near you: Paintback Location Finder • Paintback Home • Location list
• Product TDS disposal notes (example): Aqua Prep Data Sheet • Granosite TDS disposal note

1) First choice: store and reuse (you’ll thank yourself later)

Seal it right: Wipe the rim, place plastic wrap over the opening, tap the lid on firmly. Store upright in a cool, dry cupboard.
Label it: Room, colour, brand, sheen, date, and batch if available.
Small tins for touch-ups: Decant to a Wattyl Colour Sampler jar or any airtight container; less air = longer life.
Shelf-life reality: Water-based paints last years if sealed and stored well; toss any that smell sour or have lumps that won’t mix.

2) Reuse & donation ideas

Accent walls and furniture: Use leftovers to upcycle shelves, garage storage, or kids’ projects.
Community groups & theatres: Many accept sealed, usable paint (ask first).
Primers & undercoats: Keep Aqua Prep Primer Sealer Undercoat-type products for future projects; undercoats are the first thing you’ll need for touch-ups.

3) What never to do

Never pour paint down drains — multiple Wattyl TDS explicitly warn against this (see above examples).
Don’t dump in general waste while still liquid.
Avoid washing rollers/trays in stormwater — keep wash-water on lawn/soil or collect it (see below).

4) Wash-up without polluting

Water-based paints: Wipe excess into a rag. Rinse brushes/rollers in a bucket; let solids settle. Decant clear water to the garden (not drains). Dry sludge and place in household rubbish (check council rules).
Solvent-based paints: Wipe as much as possible; use a small amount of solvent in a jar; re-use; dispose of residues as hazardous waste via Paintback or council events.
On-site signage: “Clean-up away from drains” signs help guests and tradies do the right thing (Wattyl’s How-To guides reinforce this approach).

5) Paintback: Australia’s free, national drop-off program

What it is: Industry-led scheme diverting paint and packaging from landfill—over 60 million kg collected since 2016.
What they take: Most household and trade paints, varnishes and packaging; up to 100 L per visit in containers ≤ 20 L.
Where: 165+ locations, with coverage across all states; finder here: Paintback locations; check service updates before you go.
Cost: Funded by the Paintback levy added to retail prices; no fee at drop-off (see Wattyl FAQs).

6) Drying and disposing of empty cans

Let cans drain and dry with lids off in a ventilated area; most councils accept empty, dry metal cans in recycling (check your council).
If there’s a small residue, leave lids off until fully dry (see disposal notes in TDS like Granosite and Aqua Prep).

7) Handy Wattyl resources

Product Finder (TDS/SDS): Wattyl Product Finder
Contact & technical help: Wattyl Contact
Stores & stockists: Wattyl Stores

With Paintback and a few simple habits, Australian households and tradies can keep waterways clean and garages tidy — and still have the right paint on hand for quick touch-ups.