Tesco launches a new campaign to recycle plastic toys.
- The initiative runs from 4 September to 4 December in selected stores.
- Partnership with Hasbro and Wastebuster supports a circular economy.
- Recycled toys are transformed into new products like coat hangers.
- Schools can earn rewards through the Recycle to Read scheme.
Tesco has announced a ground-breaking initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through the recycling of plastic toys. This campaign, which begins on 4 September and lasts until 4 December, allows families to bring their broken plastic toys to designated bins within selected Tesco stores. Partnering with Hasbro and Wastebuster, this initiative underscores Tesco’s commitment to environmental education and the circular economy.
The collected toys will undergo a transformation process where they are cleaned and converted into plastic pellets. These pellets are then utilised to manufacture new items, including coat hangers, chairs, and coffee machines, contributing to a reduction in plastic waste. Tesco’s category director for toys, Ally Rose, commented on this endeavour, stating, “We are always looking for new ways to remove, reduce, reuse and recycle plastic in our business, so we’re delighted to be able to support the Recycle to Read campaign as a way to help our customers do more of this at home.”
In alignment with the goals of the Recycle to Read scheme, re-homed and recycled plastic toys can be registered on the Wastebuster website, allowing schools attended by children aged two to eleven in the Sussex area to earn Planet Care Points. These points contribute to a ranking system where the fifty highest-scoring schools are awarded book vouchers from a £5,000 prize fund, to be used on discounted books from Harper Collins.
Families are urged to first consider rehoming toys through donations to friends, family, or local charities. However, for toys that cannot be rehomed, Tesco provides a solution to ensure that these plastics do not end up in landfills but are instead repurposed. This approach not only aids in recycling efforts but also enhances access to reading materials for young children.
Tesco’s innovative recycling trial exemplifies a robust step towards sustainability and education, aligning environmental responsibility with community benefits.
