Each year more than 30million litres of paint is thrown away or is left unused in the UK as it can be difficult to dispose of.

Community RePaint schemes collect unwanted, surplus paint and re-distribute it to individuals, families and communities in need, improving the wellbeing of people and the appearance of places across the UK.

There are 76 schemes around the country, which accept unwanted, leftover reusable paint from members of the public, trade sources, retailers and manufacturers.

Once it is taken to a scheme, it can be redistributed to community groups and individuals at no or low cost. The cost to the environment is also saved by diverting it onto people’s walls instead of to landfill or incineration.

Community RePaint network manager, Martin Pearse said: “If, after painting one wall, you have decided that that blue is not the shade for you, or found that those 2-for-1 offers have left you with enough paint to redecorate Buckingham Palace, then Community RePaint can help to find a home for your unwanted or unused paint!”

“By reusing paint in the community we can bring colour to the lives of those who need it the most, and help to protect the planet by preventing perfectly good paint from ending up in landfill,” added Martin.

Anyone who’s noticed that their paintwork could do with a refresh now that the sun is exposing every scuff mark and fingerprint may well be planning to use the one remaining DIY-filled bank holiday before summer to have a quick touch up.

The good news is that the scheme has a conveniently placed depot at Camden’s Regis Road Recycling Centre where people are welcome to dispose of any partially used excess tins of paint.

Meanwhile, householders on a budget and community groups in search of cheap paint should head to one of the organisation’s east London locations. The Paint Place in Walthamstow is the dedicated spot for individuals doing home decoration.

The national Community RePaint network is also keen to hear from people and projects that need unusual paint, such as artists, restorers and theatres.

The Network has been sponsored by Dulux since its inception in 1993 and forms part of Dulux’s ongoing sustainability programme. Community RePaint is managed by Resource Futures, an employee-owned, non-profit distributing environmental consultancy based in Bristol.

To find out more visit communityrepaint.org.uk or call 0845 180 0501