The organisation has recently produced a report, “Empty Isn't the End” – alongside the London borough of Tower Hamlets, the Local Community Recycling Consortium, Dairy Crest and East London Mosque – to investigate ways of increasing the use of a pint glass bottle.
” If your local shop doesn't stock milk in glass bottles, ask why not and suggest they do “
– Maeve Murphy, WEN
In the report, WEN recommends encouraging more sales and returns, as a viable way to prevent waste and boost local economies.
WEN claims that six million glass bottles are thrown away in Tower Hamlets every year, making up 1.8% of the borough's waste. A further 7,000 are recycled as glass waste, the report said.
WEN has also claimed that it is possible to reuse glass bottles more than 20 times before they wear out.
Trial
The partners ran a trial scheme with about 60 shops to encourage bottle returns by putting promotional bibs on bottles and displaying posters around the borough.
WEN claimed that the trial was too small to have a major impact but recommended a larger trial with more public awareness campaigns.
Maeve Murphy, waste project officer at WEN, said: “The message to householders is, consider buying milk in glass bottles. You can get it delivered or pick it up from your local shop, then get into the habit of bringing the bottles back next time you go.
“If your local shop doesn't stock milk in glass bottles, ask why not and suggest they do. This is a good way they can do their bit to prevent waste,” she added.
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