Supermarket Recycling
The latest supermarket recycling scheme has been launched by Morrisons, in partnership with Podback. Coffee-loving customers can now collect pod recycling bags in-store, fill them at home and then deposit them in dedicated bins at the supermarket. Alternatively, filled bags can be returned to any of the 6,500 Yodel drop-off points.
In this recycling scheme, Podback separates the coffee grounds for use as soil improvers, whilst plastic and aluminium pods are formed into new products. The scheme launches across 29 Morrison UK stores* and their own brand of coffee pods, along with 24 other brands sold in-store, can be recycled.
Not Suitable for Home Recycling
Some food packaging, including cardboard boxes and sleeves, hard plastics and paper packaging can be put in home recycling bins for collection. However, supermarkets are offering schemes to help reduce packaging waste that isn’t suitable for home recycling.
Crisp packets, batteries and soft plastics are just a few examples of what is on offer.
Let’s Recycle provides a ‘Repeat the Cycle’ search tool, so you can find what recycling facilities are available at your local supermarkets.
In addition, many offices, schools and community organisations collect items for recycling as a means of raising charity funds. Donations of used inkjet cartridges and old mobile phones are just two of the items that can be recycled instead of binned.
Recycled Plastic Packaging
In addition to recycling schemes, supermarkets are also using more recycled materials in packaging. Cardboard delivery boxes have long been a sustainable packaging solution, made from 50-100% recycled content. However, the plastic tax has driven up the volume of packaging made from at least 30% recycled plastic.
Lidl’s San Celestino sparkling water is one of the latest ranges to be made from 30% Prevented Ocean Plastic. One of many moves that could prevent millions of plastic items from ending up in our oceans.
Where possible, retailers should remove or reduce packaging. However, recycling schemes are one action that reduces the impact of packaging waste.
