Liability concerns over sorting "40 shades of green" have been raised with a NI council agreeing to set up an "affordable" paint scheme to save on £250k recycling costs.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) annually collects approximately 290 tonnes of leftover paint at its household recycling centres, according to is own environment report.
The council committee has now supported set up costs of tens of thousands of pounds to sort and supply donated paint "to enable redecoration of homes at an affordable cost", according to a council report.
Read more: Money savvy DIYer 'saves thousands' on kitchen makeover with £60 paint hack.
Independent Crotlieve councillor said: "This is a wonderful concept, but I would have some concerns that a cost of £30k is needed for a set up of shelves and cages for the paints, it sounds extremely high.
"I would hope that the scheme all stacks up legally.
"I would be concerned that there may be someone getting the wrong shade of green and we could have complaints being made."
The chamber heard overall support fo the scheme, which would support residents in a cost of living crisis and help to prevent paint pots being disposed of in household bins.
Mournes TUV councillor, Harold McKee added: "It seems to me that this could be a full time job for staff.
"I would also wonder how we would know what type of paint is in the pots, as when they are used paint can spill over the labels at times.
"You know you can get 40 shades of green."
A council official responded that current staff would manage the scheme and that paint samples would be put on top of pots to identify colours.
A NMDDC spokesperson said: “Through Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s proposed Community Re-Paint Scheme, residents will be able to take left over paint to the council’s Household Recycling Centres where it will be assessed to ensure it is suitable for reuse and then made available for residents and community groups free of charge.”
The 'Re-Paint' scheme is expected to begin in June.
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