Paints, glues and varnishes often contain solvents and other substances than can harm the environment.

Leftover paint, impregnating agent, glue, varnish, putty and similar products, as well as spray bottles and nail varnish, should be handed in at a hazardous waste collection point or recycling centre. Packaging containing leftover paint, even if it is dried out, should also be handed in there. This also applies if the paint is water-soluble.

If the waste is not being disposed of in its original packaging, it is important to label it with what it contains.

If the can is scraped out and dry, it can be turned in for recycling in a container for plastic or metal packaging.

Regardless of the chemical, never flush leftovers down the toilet or pour them down the drain. The treatment plants cannot remove the hazardous substances, and they will instead follow along out into the waterways.

Tips for cleaning brushes

Solvent-based paint

1. Wipe most of the paint off the brush on a piece of paper and dip the brush in a can of brush cleaner, varnish remover or similar.
2. Keep the brush cleaner in the can with the lid on for repeated use.
3. When it has become too dirty, hand in the brush and the brush cleaner to the municipal recycling centre.

Water-based paint

1. Wipe off as much of the paint as possible from brushes and rollers onto newspaper or masking paper.
2. You can dispose of the paper with paint in your household waste.
3. Then wash the brushes in a little water in a can. You can then rinse the brushes under the tap.
4. Leave the can of water stand a few days so that the paint residue sinks to the bottom. Then carefully pour off the clear water phase.
5. Take the paint sludge to a recycling centre.