Words by Smiley Team
The blue disposable face masks that everyone knows well are said to be the most effective at reducing the transmission of Covid – but they’re not great for the planet.
Wilko, however, has come up with a solution by creating its very own in-store mask recycling scheme, which has proved to be successful for the past three months – and will now run until September 2021.
The high-street store estimates that 400,000 masks could be recycled via the scheme. This equates to a giant 966kg of single-use plastic.
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Disposable face masks are made from polypropylene fabric – a type of plastic. An estimated eight million tonnes of general plastic waste already ends up in the world’s oceans every year, and the impact of the pandemic will only increase those figures if PPE litter continues to increase.
Wilko and its partners for this scheme hope by continuing to provide an easy way to safely dispose of used PPE, they can help make it easier for families to reduce litter in the community with a little win that makes a world of difference.
Those wishing to take part need to simply visit their nearest, participating Wilko store and drop their used single-use face masks into the collection bin. Once full, these bins are then taken away by recycling specialists ReWorked, who together with Metrisk Ltd, Scan2Recycle are partnering with Wilko in the scheme – which was the first of its kind on the UK high street.
Masks collected via the scheme are broken down into raw fibres which can be sustainably refashioned into products ranging from other safety materials for businesses, to building materials and even quality, durable public space furniture.
While masks are no longer a legal requirement, many places still recommend face coverings in busy indoor spaces.
Jerome Saint Marc, CEO at Wilko, said: “We know that our customers care about the environment and this scheme has proved again to us just how much.
"We’re so delighted that it’s been this much of a success and that our customers and team members are helping to reduce litter in their communities, our partners are helping to recycle the waste and that we’re able to bring it all together in our stores. It’s a little win that truly makes a world of difference.”
For more information on disposable mask recycling at wilko and the 150 stores that are taking part, visit https://www.wilko.com/face-mask-recycling.
