As of September 4, 2012, you can take some more items off your non-recyclable list and out of your garbage. Separate bins will be available at all London Drugs stores for collection of beauty packaging , through a partnership with Garnier and TerraCycle – an international upcycling company.
(UPDATE – 2014: This Garnier/Terracycle recycling program is no longer available t London Drugs, but any packaging purchased from London Drugs can be brought back to our stores for recycling as part of our ‘Bring Back the Pack’ program)
It’s an interesting solution for some difficult materials. Cosmetics packages, in particular, pose challenges with multiple materials, residual cosmetics waste etc. TerraCycle tells me their downstream processor, based in the US, has solved these issues and is able to melt down the collected materials and produce products such as park benches, garbage containers and soap dispensers.
“London Drugs is excited to partner with TerraCycle and become the first major retailer in Canada to offer our customers these new recycling streams” says Clint Mahlman, Senior Vice President and Cheif Operating Officer, London Drugs. “This is an important solution as we move toward our company-wide waste diversion goal.”
So save up those old makeup containers you have been collecting and head on down to London Drugs. Look for the drop-off boxes, or just ask at Customer Service.
This is one Green Deal that is looking better and better.
Are Nestle products the only kinds of chocolate/candy wrappers that are accepted as part of the recycling program?
All brands of chocolate and candy wrappers are welcome, and the same goes for the cosmetics packaging.
Thanks for the info, Lorne! I don’t suppose granola bar wrappers or chip bags are included in the program as well?