London Drugs and the styrofoam disposal
I am not a big fan of styrofoam, but as someone who cooks and consumes Indian food, I’ve always been aware of the challenges that designing containers for this type of food brings along. Similarly, styrofoam is frequently used to prevent shocks when packaging computer hardware (I have a LOT of styrofoam from the HP PhotoSmart I was sent by HP Canada). While in my research I haven’t looked specifically at styrofoam waste management, I have always kept it in mind as a challenge, particularly as space in landfills becomes more and more scarce. I would prefer much more if we minimized our usage of styrofoam than having to dispose of it.
I learned about London Drugs‘ recent partnership with Green Deal via Cynnamon Schreinert, and from the press release, I became aware that London Drugs also can receive used batteries for disposal. I’m a bit confused as to whether this partnership and recycling program only applies to disposing styrofoam from items purchased at LD, or if consumers can also bring other styrofoam. I think applying a levy would/should work. I’m interested in learning more about this initiative, both
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Styrofoam is the worst offender of the plastics for sure. That would be great if LD would take all styrofoam there but I’d be surprised, probably just LD purchases.
Keep us updated on this!
Currently we’re only taking back Styrofoam and packaging from products that were purchased in our store. Our “What’s The Green Deal?” program offers our customers the opportunity to return the packaging from products purchased at a London Drugs store to the store, where they’ll be recycled for free. You’ll need your bill of sale to prove you bought the stuff at London Drugs, but it’s working because in the past 18 months, we’ve recycled 50,000 lbs., or more than 40 semi loads of Styrofoam and other packaging materials across Western Canada.
We also recycle all kinds of electronics, e-waste, batteries etc. See our current list here: http://www.greendeal.ca/earthday/index.html
That’s awesome, and good CSR from LD
This will be useful because city of N Van doesn’t include styrofoam in its recycling program, and I buy a fair amount from the LD 1 block from my house!
Is it just dropped off at customer service or what?
Thanks for this post, I HATE throwing styrofoam away so it’s good to at least know about London Drugs Products you can with a receipt.
If your so inclined you can unwrap your purchase before walking out the store and leave the packaging with us. This would save you a trip (ideal for small items), however, taking an LCD TV home without the box might not be the best thing to do, so you can return with your packaging and your receipt at a later time. If you show up with packaging and a receipt someone will help you out but Customer Service is probably the best place to go.
Here is a bit of a video clip of one of our store managers being interviewed and describing all of the things we take back – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE8SSwtAyEM
In Victoria we have mobile recycling depots from Pacific Mobile Depot (usually run in conjunction with a community group) that set up on most Saturdays. They take just about anything that the regular curbside recycling will not, including styrofoam. There is a fee – very reasonable.
I have reduced my garbage (I also compost) to about 1 small bread bag every 2 weeks.
I think the LD initiative is good, and if there’s something like what Janis suggests here, I’ll definitely endorse it!