Subscribe For Free
FOLLOW US

O2 to launch PPE recycling initiative in retail stores

Jasper Hart
July 2, 2020

Initiative to contribute to MNO’s zero-carbon commitments

O2 is rolling out PPE recycling boxes to all of its stores across the UK in an attempt to cut down on waste.

The operator’s initiative is in partnership with US recycling firm TerraCycle. TerraCycle offers Zero Waste Box solutions to businesses to deposit their used PPE.

O2 will send the boxes back to TerraCycle, who aggregates, cleans and melts the PPE into pellets. These pellets can be used for the manufacture of products including storage containers and furniture.

In the first month of lockdown, more than a billion items of PPE were delivered to NHS staff. All O2 staff have been equipped with face and hand PPE upon the reopening of physical retail stores.

O2’s initiative contributes to its plans to become a net-zero business by 2025.

“With billions of items of PPE now in circulation, it’s easy to see why environment and conservation experts are sounding the alarm,” said O2’s head of partnerships and social impact.

“That’s why we’re delighted to announce our partnership with TerraCycle, which will ensure the PPE keeping our customers and employees safe in stores is responsibly recycled. This new scheme will help minimise our impact on the planet and is an example of the many steps O2 is taking in its journey to becoming a net-zero business by 2025.”

Share this article