The Recycle at Boots scheme has become the most accessible recycling scheme of its kind in the UK (according to OPRL) and is now available in 700 stores including in Milton Keynes, Bedford and Leighton Buzzard.
The scheme launched its trial just last year in 50 stores – since then, it’s seen over half a million products deposited as a result.
Customers are encouraged to use the scheme and receive a voucher for 250 Boots Advantage Card points (worth £2.50) for every five products they deposit (terms and conditions apply).
Lucy Reynolds, Director of Communications and CSR, Boots UK, said:
“We are delighted with the reception the Recycle at Boots scheme has had – the reaction from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve listened to their feedback and, as a result, are rolling the scheme out further, making it easier than ever for our customers to recycle their empty products that would usually go to landfills. From old mascaras and toothpaste tubes to finished lipsticks and empty vitamin pots – customers can feel even better about treating themselves with their Boots Advantage Card points knowing that their products can be recycled.”
All of the beauty, cosmetic and wellness empties collected are considered ‘hard-to-recycle’ and generally aren’t accepted by kerbside recycling. Recycling partners MyGroup (www.mygroupltd.com) are using their innovative processing techniques, not only to recycle the material – but to guarantee not a single piece of packaging ends up in a landfill or incineration.
The packaging and products undergo a lengthy process to become new materials – which with the help of ReWorked (www.reworked.com) become children’s furniture, shop fittings and even storage containers that are now being used at Boots warehouses.
“Through schemes like Recycle at Boots, we’re not only diverting plastic from natural ecosystems and landfills – but we’re also positively changing mindsets when it comes to recycling. We need the help of the high street to make recycling accessible and to make sustainability a priority for all,”
said Izzie Glazzard, Marketing Manager, MYGroup.
Boots has also revealed the top three recycled products are toothpaste, mascara and hand wash – with Colgate, No7 and Boots coming out as the most recycled brands.
To find your nearest recycling bank, visit the boots website here.
