Can you recycle paint and paint tins?
Liquid paint to the recycling centre (or harden it first); empty metal tins to scrap
Liquid paint is not accepted in any bin and most recycling centres only take it hardened — stir in sand, sawdust or a paint-hardener sachet, leave the lid off to dry, then bin or take it in. Some centres and Community RePaint schemes accept usable leftover paint for reuse — donate part-full tins there. Completely empty, dry metal tins go in the recycling centre's scrap-metal skip (a few councils allow them kerbside); plastic tubs go with rigid plastics at the centre.
Tips
- Community RePaint takes usable leftovers
- Harden small amounts with sand, soil or cat litter
- Check your tip's rules before loading up the car
Which bin does it go in?
Liquid paint to the recycling centre (or harden it first); empty metal tins to scrap
Check booking, proof-of-address and vehicle rules before travelling.
Background: Batteries, vapes & electricals: the fire-risk items.
Also searched as: emulsion, gloss paint, paint pots, tester pots.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?