Boots to count all waste as recycling

Pharmaceutical retailer Boots is preparing to classify all waste collections from its UK outlets as dry mixed recycling.

As of April 2012, it is understood that all waste from its retail outlets will be collected in clear or dry mixed recycling bags only, and not those used at present for general waste. Bins will also be rebranded from general waste to dry mixed recycling.

The move has been prompted by the results of a waste audit and trial which found that 97% of all waste collected from the outlets was classified as dry mixed recycling.

The audit was carried out by Boots waste management service provider Greenzone UK which analysed the contents of bins at many of their sites. This was supported by a trial of 100 Boots pharmacies nationwide conducted by its regional suppliers.

In correspondence to waste and recycling collectors issued by Nottingham-based GreenZone, the company describes the success of the trial and says that as a result from April all waste collection from outlets is to be classified as mixed dry recycling.

The changes to the companys ending of waste collections are in the process of being finalised. Nicole Taylor, spokeswoman for Boots UK told letsrecycle.com that the project was still in its early stages and was being undertaken on a trial basis. She said: Stores are involved in the trial and seeing how this system works for us and if it will be worth our while.

If nearer the time we actively roll it out then we can share more information.

Greenzone

The transition will be coordinated by Kelly Farmer, Greenzone UKs customer services manager, and her team. Ms Farmer confirmed the move but could not comment further.

Nottingham-based Greenzone UK works with waste management brokers and facility management companies throughout the UK. Its services include paper recycling, WEEE recycling, waste disposal and skip hire.

Landfill

The transition is the second stage of Boots initiative to reduce the amount of waste that is being sent to landfill. The first stage has already been completed at its head office in Nottingham and regional distribution centres.

In 2010/11 Boots produced 44,876 tonnes of waste. Just over half of this (50.7%) was sent to be recycled, whilst a further 44.05% was sent to landfill. The remaining 5.25% was sent for incineration.

Boots currently operate a recycling facility at its Nottingham support office site which receives paper, cardboard, soft mixed plastic, glass bottles, printer toner cartridges and 35mm film pots from its network of stores.