The British Coatings Federation announced the launch of a pilot program to improve the reuse and recycling of leftover decorative paint across the United Kingdom.

The initiative, known as PaintCare UK, is an industry-funded take-back scheme that will be trialed in the West Midlands Combined Authority area beginning in March 2026. The pilot allows consumers and tradespeople to return leftover paint and empty packaging at participating retail locations.

The program brings together paint manufacturers and retailers to test collection systems, logistics and recycling processes designed to support a more circular approach to paint use. Participating brands include Dulux, Johnstone’s Paint, Crown Paints, Craig & Rose, Valspar and Little Greene, alongside retail partners such as B&Q, Brewers Decorator Centres and Dulux Decorator Centres.

The pilot will evaluate consumer participation, in-store collection models and treatment solutions, as well as opportunities for paint reuse and packaging recycling. The effort is supported by waste management partner Biffa.

The organizations said the program is intended to inform a potential national rollout in 2027. The broader goal is to significantly increase the reuse and recycling of leftover paint, which currently accounts for a small portion of total volumes generated annually.

Industry stakeholders will also use insights from the trial to address regulatory and logistical barriers to scaling a national system.

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