CO-OPERATIVE stores in Powys have launched a soft plastic collection scheme, making it easier for residents to recycle problem materials such as bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and wrappers from pet food.

The new Midcounties Co-operative initiative has been rolled out in over 200 of its food stores as part of the society’s work to support a greener planet, and now means that all of its Co-op branded packaging is 100 per cent widely recyclable.

The collection points are located inside the stores and customers can dispose of any of the accepted materials, regardless of where the item was purchased.

Mike Pickering, social responsibility manager at the Midcounties Co-operative, said: “As a society, we’re committed to making change and encouraging our members and customers to work us with us to build a better environment for our future, and recycling is a big part of that.

“We know that many of our customers and members want to do even more than they already are to help the planet and the new recycling collection points are a great, convenient solution to help them with that.”

The Midcounties Co-operative continues to tackle the issue of single-use plastic as part of its ‘1Change’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of the issues caused by plastic pollution and encourage its members and customers to make more sustainable choices to help reduce their impact on the environment.

In October last year, the society also announced that it will no longer sell single-use plastic carrier bags in any of its food stores, with them being replaced with fully compostable bags, helping to remove an estimated eight million single-use plastic bags from circulation each year.

For more information about becoming a member of the Midcounties Co-operative and receiving exclusive member rewards and offers, visit the website or ask in your local your Co-op food store.