Nova Scotia’s Paint Recycling Program

Over 3 million containers of paint are purchased every year in Nova Scotia and up to 25% of the paint is never used. The Nova Scotia Paint Recycling Program, which went into effect on June 1st, 2002, helps keep paint out of landfills and incinerators, and out of our environment!

It’s Easy and Convenient!

Nova Scotians can return leftover paint to any of the province’s ENVIRO-DEPOTS™ at no charge. The unused paint will be recycled into new paint products. ENVIRO-DEPOTS™ will accept latex and oil-based paints including aerosols, as well as stains and varnishes.

Recycle Paint as a Last Resort

With any recycling program, reduction and reuse should be considered first. Paint should be bought in the right amount, stored properly, used up, donated, and exchanged before recycling is considered.

• Buy only the amount of paint you need.
• Use all the paint you buy.
• Dispose of leftover paint safely.

Empty Paint Cans?

Provided that the paint is dry and the lids are removed, empty paint containers can be disposed of through municipal waste collection programs. Contact your municipality for details.

The Benefits of Giving Paint a Second Chance

• Keeps paint out of landfills
• Protects groundwater, streams, and lakes
• Creates jobs in the collection, transport, and processing of leftover paint into new products
• Turns waste into a resource

Closing the Loop

Paint products collected from ENVIRO-DEPOTS™ are sorted and processed at a facility in Springhill, Nova Scotia. Unused paint is recycled into new usable paint that meets industry standards.

Keep the Lid On Safety

Follow these steps to make returning paint to ENVIRO-DEPOTS™ a safe experience:

• Make sure paint is tightly sealed in its original container.
• The original label must be on the paint container and visible.
• Don’t leave any painting tools in the container (brushes, rags, etc.)
• Don’t mix alkyd (oil-based) with latex (water-based) paints.
• Keep paint containers out of reach of children and pets.
• Don’t leave paint in your vehicle for long periods, especially during hot weather.