PaintWise

Resene PaintWise is a paint recovery programme. It provides New Zealanders with an easy way to return unwanted paint and paint containers so they can be re-used, reducing harmful effects on the environment.

Paintwise started on 1 September 2005. It is undertaken by Resene Paints as a Product Stewardship, or Producer Responsibility initiative. It is hoped to enlist other paint producers into the programme.

The Resene Foundation (a non-profit charitable trust), manages the programme. Councils including Environment Bay of Plenty support the programme.

In the Bay of Plenty, unwanted paint and paint containers can be dropped off at the Resene ColorShop, 47 Waihi Road, Tauranga, telephone (07) 578 4169. 

There are also collection points at designated Resene ColorShop stores in Hamilton and the Auckland region. The service will be extended to include other stores.

All brands of unwanted paint, paint containers and lids are accepted.

There is a charge for non-Resene products. A small levy is included in the price of Resene paints when these are purchased. Trade customers do not pay the PaintWise levy and have to pay the recovery fee if they bring in unwanted paint or containers. This is consistent with the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

Not accepted are paint thinners, solvents, aerosols or other materials. Contact your local council for disposal options.

Good quality paint is redirected to community groups, and other uses are being looked into. Where reuse is not possible, the paints are stabilised and safely landfilled. Containers are recycled where possible. To register an interest in receiving free Resene Community Paint go to http://www.resene.co.nz/comn/envissue/paintwise_register.htm and fill in an application form.

For more information on the Paintwise Programme go to: www.resene.co.nz/paintwise.htm or contact your local Resene ColorShop for a copy of the PaintWise brochure

For more about Resene Environmental Choice Paints go to www.resene.co.nz/comn/envissue/howgreen.htm.