ACS has welcomed the launch of an initiative aimed at improving on-the-go recycling options in the centre of Leeds, where recycling reward machines, 'bubble-blowing' bins, and recycling collection bikes are to be rolled out from today.
The 'Leeds by Example' campaign is aimed at providing consumers with a means of recycling plastic bottles, drinks cans, coffee cups, and other packaging from goods consumed while out on the streets or in public places. At present, only 42 per cent of local authorities provide on-the-go recycling facilities in the UK.
Environmental charity Hubbub has brought together 23 major brands and other supporters including ACS for the six-month trial initiative launching in Leeds today, which will see new recycling facilities deployed for plastic, cans, and paper cups on the streets and in local offices, universities, shopping centres, and transport hubs.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Improving recycling rates and making responsible environmental choices are a top priority for convenience retailers, with stores already playing their part in reducing the amount of plastic bags handed out through a nationwide voluntary scheme. We are contributing to the #Leedsbyexample pilot because we want to explore the most effective ways of tackling the waste generated by food to go packaging, coffee cups and plastic bottles.”
Run in conjunction with Leeds City Council, the results of the six-month trial will be shared with a view to rolling out the most successful elements of the campaign nationwide in the future.
Gavin Ellis, director and co-founder of Hubbub, said: "The huge range of eye-catching recycling bins and communications throughout Leeds city centre will make it really easy for residents, workers and visitors to spot their nearest recycling point," he said. "We're interested to discover which of these will make the biggest difference and will share what we learn openly so that the most successful elements can be rolled out in Leeds and nationally."
Brands supporting the campaign include: Alupro, Ball Beverage Packaging Europe, British Plastics Federation, Bunzl, Caffe Nero, Co-op, Crown Packaging, Danone, Ecosurety, Highland Spring, Innocent, Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, PepsiCo UK, Asda, Coca-Cola GB, Costa Coffee, McDonald's, Pret A Manger, Starbucks and Shell.
Trewin Restorick of Hubbub will be taking part in a panel session at this year’s ACS Heart of the Community Conference, discussing ways that convenience stores can play a part in tackling environmental issues. More information about Heart of the Community is available on the ACS website.
