August - September 2005

Paint is one of the most common causes of pollutionin our waterways and can destroy habitats, kill fish,insects and plants. Paint ends up in our streams,the lake and beaches when people wash brushes andequipment in or near outside drains.

Water-based painting equipment should be washed in aninside sink so that the dirty water can go via the sewer tothe treatment plant before being discharged. Or it can bewashed on the grass, away from drains, where it can soaksafely into the ground.

Oil based painting equipment should be washed using anappropriate solvent like turpentine. Allow the solvent andwashings to settle, strain out and re-use the solvent thenput the remaining solid waste in a leak-proof container orplastic bag, leave to dry, seal tightly and put out with your rubbish. Never wash your painting equipment where thewater can run into an outside drain!

There are now three ways you can disposeof paint safely:

Resene Paintwise programme

Drop off unwanted paint or paint packaging at theResene ColorShops, Croftfield Lane, Wairau Park anyday during opening hours from September 1. The ReseneFoundation will give good quality, water-based, usedResene paint to community groups and will arrange forcans to be recycled. There is a small charge for non-Resene branded paint: $1 for cans and pails up to 4litres and $2.50 for cans and pails 10 litres and over.

HazMobile

The HazMobile accepts most hazardous householdmaterials. The next North Shore City collection is from10am – 2pm on Saturday, 24 September at the publiccar park on Rawene Rd, near the Birkenhead ShoppingCentre.

Rubbish Collections

Water-based paint solids that have been left to dry in acontainer, which is then sealed, can be put out with yourregular rubbish collection.