Smiths News launches recycling collection service for retailers

Smiths News has launched a low-cost daily recycling collection service for retailers.

The service will help its independent customers in the West Midlands and North West to manage soft plastic and bulky cardboard packaging left over from trips to the cash-and-carry and stock deliveries.

Those participating in the scheme will be provided with reusable bags to pop the waste into. Bags are simply left out with newspaper returns for Smiths News to take away at the same time, ensuring that no extra journeys are made.

Smiths News said its customers can access as many collections as they want in a week, with the service available for a single flat-rate fee added to their weekly news bill, with no ties and the freedom to opt out whenever they like. Retailers can also benefit from a special-offer price of £3.50 a week for early sign-up.

The news wholesaler added that the service will allow it to support retailers in a really practical way, helping them to free up valuable space in their stores and saving them money by offering a more competitive, cost-effective service.

“We asked customers what it takes to manage a successful independent store and dealing with waste was a key theme, as it is a pain to manage and a significant cost,” said Michael Williams, Smiths News’ head of proposition development. “So it makes sense to use both our delivery network and existing recycling infrastructure to help. Fitting with our own aspirations on sustainability is an added bonus.”

The collection service is being rolled out to independent retailers in the Smiths News Birmingham Group from 25 July, with further areas to be added. Those wishing to participate should apply online at recycle.smithsnews.co.uk.