Southern Co-op has partnered with Litter Free Dorset and W&S Recycling to dismantle and recycle 8,000 disposable barbecues.
The disposable barbecues were taken off Southern Co-op shelves in 2022 following campaigns from Litter Free Dorset and the Urban Heaths Partnership.
Southern Co-op permanently removed disposable barbecues from sale and were keen to make sure they were disposed of responsibly so approached Litter Free Dorset to determine the best method.
The barbecues will be dismantled by volunteers and the component parts will be dismantled by volunteers and recycled by W&S, the recycling contractor for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils.
The plastic sleeves, paper liners, and cardboard outer trays will be processed with household recycling; the metal grill sheet and foil trays will go to W&S’ scrap metal site, and the six tonnes of charcoal Briquettes are being donated to Swanage Railway for use on the Swanage Steam Train.
Chief executive of Southern Co-op Mark Smith said: “Sadly we have witnessed the devastating impact that disposable barbecues can have to both people and wildlife if they are not disposed of responsibly. Removing them from sale was an important move to protect our local wildlife and ecosystems as part of our longstanding commitment to reduce our impact on the environment. However, we also needed to be able to dispose of them responsibly, so it’s thanks to Litter Free Dorset and a host of dedicated volunteers, this is going to be made possible. Thank you.”
“The summer of 2022 was one of the hottest on record, and the driest since 1976, and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service attended 123 heathland fires across our county during last year. The Studland Heath fire in August last year was likely caused by a disposable barbecue and not only put wildlife at risk but also visitors, residents, and the 90 fire fighters who tackled the blaze.”
Litter Free Dorset also called on all retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues. Emma Teasdale, Litter Free Dorset coordinator, added: “Disposable Barbecues pose a grave danger to Dorset’s natural environment and wildlife; they are also single-use and incredibly wasteful.
“Of course we want people to enjoy their summer and make the most of our beautiful county, but this should not be at the cost of the environment. We are asking people to make the change by avoiding single-use items including disposable barbecues, and to look for reusable alternatives.”
No comments yet