COVID-19 update: Given the current situation, some recycling locations may be temporarily closed or have reduced hours. If you’re planning to visit a depot, we encourage you to contact them directly to confirm hours of operation and safety protocols. Please do not throw your recyclables in the trash.
Did you know you can pick up free leftover paint from many of Product Care’s recycling locations?
Paint is shared on an as-is, as-available basis.
What is PaintShare?
PaintShare is a program that helps people pick up leftover paint that has been collected at participating paint recycling locations. Sharing leftovers is cost-effective, energy efficient, and puts paint where it belongs – on buildings, walls, and in the hands of aspiring artists – and diverts it away from our sewers, dumps, and landfills.
Collecting paint through your local PaintShare program is completely free!
Completely Free
You and others in your community can pick up leftover paint from PaintShare locations for free. We do not guarantee the condition of the paint or availability of certain colours – it is shared on an as-is, as available basis.
No Limits
There is no limit to the amount of paint an individual or organization can pick up. Perfect for community projects! Paint shared can be in 1-gallon or 5-gallon containers.
Multiple Locations
To pick up free paint through PaintShare, find a participating recycling location near you using our recycling locator. Please call the location ahead of time to ensure availability of paint.
A couple of years ago I needed some paint to freshen up display plinths that were showing signs of wear. At the time I discovered that I could access paints for up-cycle at my local recycle depot. I needed lighter colors like whites and creams for this project and found that these shades were available in abundance. Surprisingly I also found that there were lots of high end paints and stains and that cans were at times up to 80% full. Since then I frequently used this resource for all my small handy-man projects and I have saved a bundle on not having to buy expensive paint and stains.
This resource is truly an untapped goldmine and I highly recommend that artists, art teachers and all the “do-it-yourself” weekend warriors access this resource. Obviously you cannot “shop” for an exact colour or shade but my experience showed me that there is an abundance of base colours that can be easily manipulated to suit your needs.
Jan de Beer, Gibsons, BC
Painting murals together with youth is valuable in and of itself; it beautifies and strengthens their connection to a space, it builds relationships, and it allows for creative expression of what's important to them. This value is amplified when the materials used, such as the upcycled paint available through the PaintShare program, directly supports the message of the work, creating impactful full-circle projects.
Jaymie Johnson, Vancouver, BC
#PaintShare
Have you already used our PaintShare program? Tell us how you used your free paint by tagging us in your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter posts.
Planning a special project?
Product Care Recycling also provides paint to community partners like mural festival, schools and artists for large-scale collaborations. We’d love to work with you to promote your PaintShare project in your community to encourage environmental sustainability.
Email communications@productcare.org to see how we can work together.
