Free paint? No problem - so long as it's white

If you're looking to repaint your roof this summer, then Waitakere City Council is offering free paint to its ratepayers.

The catch is you may not get to decide the colour or quality because the paint is recycled.

Waitakere City Council residents can collect paint for free - paint which can't just be dumped since it is classified as hazardous waste.

Under the scheme residents are allowed to drop off up to 6 paint tins without charge, but tradespeople are charged a minimum of $45 - or $127 per tonne.

"We're not here to subsidise industry," says Solid Waste business unit manager Jon Roscoe.

There are few restrictions on who can collect paint. While anyone doing so must present evidence of being a Waitakere City Council resident Roscoe says he wouldn't give it to "any kid in a hoodie."

"We also don't like anyone being greedy if they're trying to sell it on again."

Community groups, and organisations such as Tag Out Trust, a graffiti removal service are also elegible to use the paint.

Roscoe says his friends call him with requests for paint.

"I'll go and check and there's usually small quantities. I tell them to open up the lid and check the colour matches the label.

Otherwise they might get it home and realise it's not what they had in mind."

Roscoe says there is one colour in constant demand.

"Everyone wants white paint or to lighten another colour."

The Auckland City Council has a stewardship scheme with Enviropaints, and the Resene PaintWise programme.

Resene stores accept their own paints and packaging free but charge a levy of 15c per litre for other brands. Auckland City Council residents are able to drop paint off at the HazMobile, its collection service which is stationed in Auckland carparks 14 times this year.

The Waitakere refuse and recycle transfer station also has a resource recovery centre where school aged children can take tours to learn about worm farming, composting, and measures aimed at reducing waste.