Paints

In 2007, 400 million litres of paint were sold in the UK of around 56 million were unused - enough to fill twenty two Olympic sized swimming pools!

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Alchemy Arts accept paint for arts projects:

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Berwickshire Furniture Restoration Co. Ltd. collects unwanted paint and redistributes it to community groups and individuals throughout Berwickshire and the Scottish Borders: T: 01361 884 886, W: www.bfr.freeuk.com.

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Destiny Angels is a church organisation that accepts donations of paint that is used when helping people to decorate their homes: T: 0333 900 0909, W: www.destinyangels.org.

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The Borders-based TRASH Music Project accept donations of usable paint. See Donations of Materials for Arts and Crafts.

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Paints, varnishes and woodstains often contain solvents, which are used in the manufacturing process to keep the products in a liquid state. Oil-based paints in particular contain hazardous chemicals including heavy metals.

Use water-based paints when possible, or try plant-based paints which are as effective as regular paints but do not contain toxic substances. Available from some DIY/decorating shops or by mail order. See Mail Order Catalogues.

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Never pour paint down drains.