CALNE shoppers looking to do their bit for the environment will have to look closer to home now following a decision by Sainsbury's to withdraw its recycling section.
For years, people have been able to recycle glass, cardboard and plastics from the Sainsbury’s facilities in their lower car park in Calne. And it was so popular that the bins would often be overflowing, with excess left next to them.
But in the last few weeks all the bins have disappeared and all that is left is the sign.
The topic has been hotly discussed on social media with some questioning whether the move has been made as a result of the Churchill retirement flats opening next door to the facility. Others suggesting it may be due to imminent building on the site.
Calne News approached Sainsbury's head office for comment and they told us they have been removed as residents already have the ability to recycle these items at home.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told us: “We regularly review the services we offer to ensure we’re delivering impact where our customers value it the most. As part of our strategic development in recycling, we are removing duplication with local facilities and instead focusing on materials which are traditionally harder for customer to recycle at home.
“All council kerbside facilities recycle cardboard. Glass and certain types of plastic are also widely accepted. Customers can use the Recycle Now website to find their local glass and plastic recycling facilities.”
Calne Town Mayor, Robert MacNaughton commented: "I think it is a very poor decision by Sainsbury's. The facilities are well used by many residents, so it is clear the recycling facilities there were supplying a need."
The removal of facilities isn't isolated to Calne, Sainsbury's have removed the same facilities at many other stores across the UK. What isn't clear is what is to become of the former recycling area, but it is worth remembering that fly tipping is an offence carrying a fixed penalty notice of £400 if you are caught fly-tipping small scale waste, and that area is covered by CCTV.
For further information in recycling in Wiltshire you can visit : https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling
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