Shoppers can continue to recycle face masks at Chesterfield and Clowne wilko stores as scheme is extended

The high street home and garden retailer have confirmed they will be continuing their instore scheme to help customers recycle their masks by another three months.

Wilko estimate the scheme – which allows shoppers to drop off used, disposable masks – could help 400,000 face coverings be recycled by the end of September 2021, an equivalent to 966kg of single use plastic.

The extension which will benefit customers at 150 stores, including the Chesterfield and Clowne wilko branches, follows a successful initial three month pilot.

Those wishing to take part need to visit their nearest, participating wilko store and drop their used single use face masks into the special collection bin.

Once full, these bins are then taken away by recycling specialists ReWorked, who together with Metrisk Ltd, Scan2Recycle are partnering with wilko in the scheme – which was the first of its kind on the UK high street.

Masks collected via the scheme are broken down into raw fibres which can be reused into products ranging from other safety materials for businesses, to building materials and even quality, durable public space furniture.

While masks are no longer a legal requirement, following the easing of almost all Covid-19 restrictions, wilko is still recommending staff and customers to wear face coverings in busy indoor spaces.

The coronavirus crisis has seen a huge rise in the use of disposable face masks, with an increasing volume of PPE being discarded in public spaces such as parks, beaches and high streets.

Wilko and its partners hope the scheme will make it easier for masks to be safely disposed of and reduce litter in the community.

CEO at wilko Jerome Saint Marc said: “We know that our customers care about the environment and this scheme has proved again to us just how much.

"We’re so delighted that it’s been this much of a success and that our customers and team members are helping to reduce litter in their communities, our partners are helping to recycle the waste and that we’re able to bring it all together in our stores.

"It’s a little win that truly makes a world of difference.”

For more information on disposable mask recycling at wilko visit https://www.wilko.com/face-mask-recycling.

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