A NEW scheme aimed at reducing plastic waste will see compost bags recycled.
Dobbies has installed new bins in its Shinfield and Hare Hatch branches so customers can bring their empties for recycling.
The company says that very few local authorities collect the polythene sacks, so the new service will help meet demand.
The compost bag recycling scheme follows other initiatives from the firm, including plastic pot recycling bins.
Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies, said the scheme was for all compost bags, regardless of brand or where it was purchased.
“We wanted to ensure gardeners had the opportunity to dispose of their compost packaging in a sustainable way,” he said.
The project will see Evergreen Garden Care take the bags and turn them into garden furniture which will be donated to Greenfingers, a charity that creates green spaces for terminally ill children.
Jane Hartley, sustainability marketing manager at Evergreen Garden Care, said the company was delighted to be collaborating with Dobbies.
“We had a trial with 10 stores to develop a collection programme that will work across all stores. We hope residents will make the most of this scheme.”
