How to Dispose of Old Paint in London

Liquid paint is banned from landfill. Here is what to do with those half-empty tins in your shed.

May 23, 2026

Mme Waste Ldn Team

Tips

Paint is one of the most common “leftover renovation” problems in London. You finish a room and end up with half-empty tins, test pots, brushes, and dusty decorating waste. The mistake people make is treating paint like normal rubbish.

You can’t pour paint down the drain (it pollutes waterways), and you shouldn’t put liquid paint in general waste. The safest approach is to separate it and dispose of it properly.

What kind of paint are you dealing with?

Water-based (emulsion/latex): common for walls and ceilings.
Oil-based: gloss and some specialist paints.
Sprays and solvents: often treated as hazardous.

Small amounts: dry it out

If you have a small amount left, you can often harden it by mixing in absorbent material (sand, sawdust, or cat litter). Once fully solid, many boroughs allow it to be disposed of as general waste, but rules vary—check your local guidance.

Usable paint: consider reuse

If the paint is still usable, donating it can be the best outcome. Community RePaint schemes help redistribute paint for community groups and charities.

Large amounts: plan removal with your renovation waste

If you have multiple tins from a renovation, drying them out is impractical. In that situation, it’s usually best to remove leftover paint alongside your wider renovation waste.

For mixed refurbishment waste, start with builders waste. If you need waste removed quickly with no skip, Wait & Load is ideal in tight London streets.