A painter and decorator from South Wales has taken a pledge to help drive down waste as part of a pioneering initiative run by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).
Metricus Ltd, based in Abercarn near Newbridge, has taken the PDA’s Paint Green Pledge – a commitment to reduce, reuse or recycle excess paint and containers year-on-year.
An estimated 55 million litres of waste paint is generated each year in the UK – and much of it ends up in landfill or being disposed of as hazardous waste.
It’s believed that only around two percent of left-over decorative paint is reused or remanufactured.
The PDA’s Paint Green initiative encourages Association members to commit to reducing waste by taking up existing recycling schemes and recording their efforts year-on-year.
Robert Seers at Metricus said: “It’s always been important to us to keep excess paint and containers out of landfill.
“Metal paint tins can be recycled, plastic containers can be used to make other products – it’s a waste to just throw them away.
“PDA’s Paint Green scheme allows us to record our efforts and clearly demonstrate to customers that we take responsibility for any waste we produce.
“The scheme is also a great example to set for the next generation of painters and decorators, who expect their employers to be taking steps to protect the environment.”
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said: “Metricus Ltd was among the first PDA members to take the Paint Green Pledge, placing them at the forefront of the drive towards more sustainable working practices.
“The initiative aims to encourage PDA members to tackle waste as a first step towards systemic change that benefits their businesses and communities.
“PDA members are trained, trusted professionals who commit to do a quality job at a reasonable price – and our Paint Green members are taking extra steps to help protect our planet, so why choose anyone else?
“Householders in the Abercarn area can find out about the PDA, Paint Green and more at: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk and check out Metricus Ltd’s online profile using our Find a Decorator tool.”