Recycle Plastic Bags at Countdown

25 November 2015: Ten Countdown stores in Auckland are participating in the new Soft Plastic Recycling Programme, which was launched today.

The Soft Plastic Recycling Programme is a consumer recycling initiative that invites customers to recycle unwanted single-use plastic bags and other soft plastics, by dropping them off at their local retailer.

The programme is first being trailed in Countdown’s North Shore stores: Birkenhead, Browns Bay, Glenfield, Glenfield Downing St, Hauraki Corner, Mairangi Bay, Milford, Northcote, Sunnynook, and Takapuna. Countdown plans to expand this trial to the Hamilton stores in May 2016.

The programme is aimed mainly at plastic bags, but other soft plastics such as empty bread, cereal and frozen food bags can also be accepted.

Another 139 Countdown stores are also collecting plastic checkout bags from customers which are being recycled by Countdown’s existing waste management provider. Customers visiting these stores will see a specially marked collection bin where they can recycle their plastic checkout bags.

General Manager of Strategy and Corporate Affairs Richard Manaton, says “At Countdown we have a strong sense of responsibility to waste reduction and recycling, and it’s important we are part of this industry-led initiative.

“The benefit of being a part of this programme is that it includes all those involved in the life-cycle of plastic packaging, the manufacturers, distributors and consumers.

“Countdown also encourages customers to reduce their plastic bag use. Countdown customers can bring their own reusable bags, or purchase reusable bags in store. Over the last year, Countdown sold approximately 200,000 reusable bags around the country,” says Manaton.

The collected soft plastic materials will be picked up and initially recycled by RED Group. The programme is being run by the Packaging Forum.

Since 2006, Countdown has reduced waste to landfill by 43%, despite having 37% more selling space (eg new and extended stores). Countdown has also increased its recycling rate by 39% since 2006, and now recycles 2.3 times more than they send to the landfill.

ENDS

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