The partnership has prevented more than 16,000 litres of paint from going to waste in the last ten years.
West Kent’s Abacus Furniture Project is celebrating the 18th year of their Community RePaint scheme, having first opened their doors to paint reuse back in 2004. Staff and volunteers from Community RePaint Sevenoaks have been collecting paint that would otherwise have gone for disposal and redistributed it to individuals, charities, and community groups at affordable prices to help brighten homes and community spaces.
The scheme opened in August 2004, and in the past ten years alone, has prevented more than 16,000 litres of paint from going to waste. The scheme works with local businesses, retailers, manufacturers and traders to collect usable, leftover paint and provide a more economical and sustainable option than sending it for disposal. The RePaint scheme has also provided employment, training and volunteer opportunities building valuable skills and experience.
Community RePaint Sevenoaks is part of the UK wide Community RePaint network, a network of paint reuse schemes working to solve the issue of the estimated 50 million litres of paint that go to waste in the UK each year. In 2021, the schemes in the network collected 387,748 litres of paint from individuals, retailers, decorators and manufacturers, and redistributed 255,785 litres of paint to individuals, families, community groups and charities, adding colour to the lives of over 176,000 people.
“The aim of celebrating our birthday is not only to mark this important milestone, but also to raise awareness of the scheme locally so more people can benefit,” said Abacus Warehouse Supervisor, Stefano Collini. “Community RePaint Sevenoaks offers a simple, local solution to the problem of waste paint. By reusing leftover paint in our community, we can bring a splash of colour to the lives of those who need it the most and help to protect the planet by preventing perfectly good paint from being disposed of.”
The Community RePaint network manager, Martin Pearse, reflected: “Community RePaint Sevenoaks have done a fantastic job over the last 18 years. The celebrations provide a great opportunity to recognise all the hard work that has gone into making the scheme such a success and to reflect on all their achievements which has brightened community spaces and homes over the years. We are excited to continue supporting the scheme and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in years to come.”
Anabel Palmer, Interim Communities Director at West Kent Housing Association said, “Abacus is such a key part of the support we offer our residents and the wider community. The project is pivotal in providing paint, as well as reuse and recycled furniture and appliances and has been a lifeline to many over the years. It is wonderful to see this milestone be reached between West Kent and Community RePaint and given the financial challenges facing many in the months and years ahead. l look forward to an ongoing partnership.”
If you need paint to redecorate your home, or if you are a charity or community group in need of paint for a project, call Community RePaint Sevenoaks to find out more 01732 743365 or visit them during their opening hours to purchase paint. They are based at Abacus House, Greatness Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 5BQ. Their opening times are Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm, Saturday 9.30am - 3.30pm.
If you are a trader, manufacturer or retailer with leftover paint you can contact the scheme to find out how they can help you. Unfortunately, the scheme is unable to accept leftover from householders.