Co-op to set up recycling points for packaging

The Co-op is to set up recycling collection points for plastic bags and wrapping at thousands of stores to tackle waste.

The initiative will also mean that the retail giant’s own-brand food packaging will be recyclable, either through local authority kerbside collections or the in-store collection points.

Recycling units for "soft" plastics which are unlikely to be collected by UK councils – such as crisp packets, carrier bags, bread bags, ready meal and yogurt lids, biscuit wrappers and petfood pouches – are being launched in 1,500 Co-op stores this month.

The initiative, which the firm claims is Europe's most extensive in-store recycling scheme of its kind, will be rolled out to 2,300 of its 2,600 food stores by November.

The retailer estimates that 300 tonnes of plastic bags and food wrapping could be collected a year once the bins are fully in place.

The scheme follows a trial last year in 50 stores and the scheme also accepts packaging for food products purchased from other retailers.

Jo Whitfield, Co-op Food chief executive, said: "As we face into an environmental crisis, we know there is a universal appetite for change, which is why we are making it easier for people to recycle all of their plastic food packaging.

"This will not only prevent unnecessary waste but also reduce plastic pollution.

"By offering a simple and convenient solution to an everyday issue, we believe we can help communities to make small changes, that together will add up to a big difference for our environment."