Coles launches recycling solution for green bags

02-06-2010

In an Australian first, Coles has solved the problem of what to do with old or unwanted green bags.

Coles Operations Director, Stuart Machin, said customers can make a difference on World Environment Day by bringing their old or unwanted reusable shopping bags to any Coles Supermarket for recycling as part of a two-week bag drive.

All bags collected between June 3 17 will be recycled in Australia – the material turned into outdoor furniture to be donated to primary schools.

Many Australian households are now aware of the benefits of taking their own bags with them when they shop, but up until now, there has been no way to recycle green bags, Stuart Machin said.

Since 2003, Coles has offered practical alternatives to single-use plastic bags, including a range of reusable shopping bags made of polypropylene, which have become enormously popular with customers.

Now, we’ve taken the next step to ensure that these shopping bags are recycled into other useful plastic products rather than finding their way into landfill.

Coles has partnered with the RED Program and Victorian-based recycled product company Replas for the recycling initiative, which will give customers a convenient and environmentally responsible way to dispose of their reusable bags.

Coles will accept any bag made of polypropylene and any color – including shopping bags from other retailers and give-away bags from conferences and exhibitions.

At the end of the bag drive, all bags collected will be sent to Replas for recycling and turned into outdoor furniture suitable for schools.

Schools are key to changing behaviours and teaching children about caring for the environment. Many already have innovative sustainability programs – we’d like to hear about these and encourage their efforts, added Mr Machin.

Primary schools can enter to win outdoor furniture made of recycled shopping bags by emailing everybagcounts@coles.com.au and describing what they’re doing to help the environment. The best 100 examples of recycling and reuse will receive outdoor furniture made from reusable bags. Entries close Wednesday June 30.