Walkers’ free crisp packet recycling scheme launches today – here’s how it works
It comes after hundreds protested against the firm's plastic packets by sending them in the post
CRISP giant Walkers is launching its free crisp packet recycling scheme today after hundreds protested against the firm's environmentally unfriendly bags.
Snack fans now have a way to send packets off to be recycled without enraging postal workers, after the Royal Mail had to urge people to stop sending packets back to the crisp firm in the post.
The free scheme, which is in partnership with recycling firm TerraCycle, allows crisp fans to drop off empty packets at hundreds of recycling points around the country. They will be at supermarkets, schools and village halls.
Alternatively, you can download a label from the and arrange to have the packets collected from your home by courier free of charge.
The packets will be sent to TerraCycle, which will clean and shred them before they are made into small plastic pellets. These can then be used to make items such as outdoor furniture, trays, roofing and flooring.
Walkers still plans to make its packaging 100 per cent recyclable, compostable or biodegradable by 2025.
Walkers currently produces 7,000 crisp packets a minute - or 11 million crisp packets per day - and the firm accounts for for 56 per cent of British crisp sales.
Pictures of crisp packets being posted to Walkers headquarters in Leicester went viral after a petition was launched on 38 Degrees by retired teacher Geraint Ashcroft.
It called on the hundreds of thousands of campaign backers to join in a "cunning plan" to make the crisp giant pay attention to their environmentally friendly cause.
But Royal Mail begged people to stop posting the packets without an envelope because they are causing delays and baffling postmen.
David Babbs, executive editor of 38 Degrees, welcomed the new recycling sceme. He said: "It's proof that public pressure can shift big companies to do more about waste".
The new scheme has been backed by environment secretary Michael Gove, as well as Walkers ambassador and football pundit Gary Linekar.
Mr Lineker said: “I love this initiative, what a great way of sorting out the problem of crisp packet recycling.
"To make this work we really need everyone to get involved by collecting and returning the packets to be recycled.”
How to recycle your Walkers crisp packets
HERE'S how you can recycle your crisp packets from now on:
1. Sign up to TerraCycle: You can sign up to TerraCycle , which tells you more about the scheme. Every packet you donate will help fund charities and schools.
2. Clean and collect packets: Make sure your packets are as clean as possible before you recycle them. Then start collecting them. TerraCycle encourages families and schools to help each other collect them for recycling.
3. Find a collection point: Drop off packets at across the country.
4. Or arrange a free pick-up: Alternatively, visit the , download a recycling label and arrange a courier to pick them up from your house or school free of charge.
Meanwhile Mr Gove added: “As the custodians of our planet, we must take action now to protect our oceans and wildlife from single-use plastic pollution.
"Walkers are setting a fine example with this new scheme, and I want to see other companies step-up, follow suit and reduce their environmental impact.
Ian Ellington, general manager of PepsiCo UK, the parent company of Walkers, said: “This is the first crisp packet recycling scheme in the UK and it will only work if everyone gets collecting and sending in, which is why we’ve made the scheme as simple as possible and free.”
You can find your nearest crisp packet recycling point using Walkers' .
More on Money
Walkers isn't the only firm to join the war on waste.
You can now buy beer made from Kellogg's Cornflakes as the cereal giant is working with a brewery to reduce waste.
Meanwhile sandwich firms are set to be hit by a new tax to cut down on plastic waste.
Michael Gove has also announced that leftover food from supermarket giants will be turned into millions of meals for the poor.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.