Wilko launches instore mask recycling scheme in Scarborough

The Scarborough branch is among 150 of the home and garden retailer’s stores nationwide that will have collection bins for customers to safely drop off their used single use face masks while out shopping for essential items.

Once full, these collection bins are then taken away by recycling specialists ReWorked, who together with Metrisk Ltd, Scan2Recycle and Wilko are partnering to make the unique scheme the first of its kind on the UK high street possible.

Collected masks are shredded down into raw materials, which can be sustainably refashioned into products ranging from other safety materials for businesses, to building materials and even quality, durable public space furniture.

Wilko and its partners for this scheme, hope that providing an easy way to safely dispose of used PPE will help make it easier for hardworking Brits to reduce litter in the community and in turn do their bit for the planet.

Jerome Saint Marc, CEO at Wilko, said: “One of our core values is to show we care and, we understand the importance of climate change to our customers who expect us to take action on their behalf and make better choices about caring for the environment.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to have developed this scheme, which makes it super simple for shoppers to safely recycle a product which is often unavoidably discarded as a result of us all taking steps to protect the health of everyone around us.

"What’s more, it also means we’re able to help hardworking families, local communities and other businesses by turning something that we’re simply throwing away into a useful and sustainable product that can have a genuinely positive impact.”

For more information on disposable mask recycling at Wilko and which of the retailer’s stores are taking part, please visit https://www.wilko.com/face-mask-recycling. This scheme is a pilot and will run for three months from 1st April 2021.