Every cap matters: HSBC employees collect plastic for l-Istrina

Each morning, before the whirring hum of hundreds of computers reverberates throughout the HSBC Malta offices, the rustlings of bags carrying recyclable wastes are the sounds that one hears at the branches. And the daily ritual is paying off.

Throughout 2017, the 1,000+ bank employees have been bringing in plastic caps to generate money for l-Istrina. Their wholehearted support to Nirriċikla għall-Istrina 2017 (I recycle for lIstrina) resulted in the collection of 50 large bags of plastic caps. A number of small and large collection containers were placed in branches, canteen and mess areas, contact centre, IT department and the mailing room. The last of the collected caps were deposited with the campaign organiser, GreenPak Coop Society, a few days ago.

The staff members have also responded positively to the call to recycle used and unwanted batteries by supporting the nationwide Batree campaign, also run by GreenPak. A total of two Batree containers were placed at HSBC sites.

“Recycling caps and batteries has proven to be tricky. They are often so small that they fall through the cracks of the recycling chain. While individual participation in waste reduction and sustainable recycling deserve appreciation, corporate action such as HSBC’s provide a collective boost to our national recycling efforts,” said GreenPak CEO Ing. Mario Schembri.

Sustainability underpins the business model at HSBC, as it allows the bank to help businesses thrive and contribute to the health and growth of communities.

Two Waste Electrical and Elec- tronic Equipment trolleys have also been placed at prominent points with the aim to increase the collection and recycling of small waste electric and electronic equipment.

So far in 2017, the trolleys had to be emptied thrice and over 100 items were collected by WEEE Malta.