Sam’s Club launches self-service recycling units

US discount retailer Sam’s Club’s has launched self-service recycling units in the Northwest Arkansas area

Through this new self-service recycling programme, communities will be able to drop off materials from eight different waste streams, including paper boxes, PET thermoforms, pet food bags and more.

By scanning a QR code on recycling units, individuals will be able to open the unit and conveniently deposit recyclable items into separate waste streams. Collected waste will be transported to facilities for recycling or returned to brand sponsors for use in circularity initiatives. 

Sam’s Club aspires to use recycled PET thermoforms in the creation of new packaging, thus creating an example of a circular economy. PET thermoforms, or the plastic clamshells baked goods are packaged in, are only recycled at around a 9% rate because they’re not widely accepted across North America.

"As part of our company’s commitment to regeneration, expanding recycling is essential for us. Over the past few years, we have partnered with various stakeholders to test different programs and waste streams for collection, with our prior El Paso recycling takeback pilot being among the first of its kind offered by a retailer," said Maggie Chiang from Sam’s Club’s. "We expect this to serve as a significant milestone in our journey as we continue to look for additional opportunities to expand and accelerate our recycling efforts and reduce packaging and waste."