First Mile launches UK compostable packaging recycling service
Deborah Williams 13 May 2019	(Last Updated May 13th, 2019 12:00)
UK recycling company First Mile has launched the UK's first dedicated compostable packaging recycling service for businesses.
First Mile launches UK compostable packaging recycling service. Credit: First Mile
The new service will see the packaging be converted into nutrient-rich fertiliser and will be available to new and existing customers via kerbside collection sacks.
First Mile currently offers a recycling service to over 25,000 businesses.
Compostable packaging can be challenging to dispose of appropriately, as it needs to be exposed to specific environments in order to successfully decompose. Consumers can unwittingly mix such packaging in with general or food waste bins, which could then end up in landfills or contaminate other recyclable materials.
The recycling company said that the service would help realise the good intentions of those companies investing in the use of compostable packaging, benefitting the environment rather than detrimentally impacting on existing recycling streams.
First Mile founder and chief executive officer Bruce Bratley said: "There's been a significant increase in the amount of compostable packaging being used by sustainability-savvy businesses, but these items need to be processed properly to provide any environmental benefits.
"We're pleased to be able to offer this new service, where customers will be able to simply place their compostable packaging in one of our dedicated First Mile bags for collection, safe in the knowledge that their actions will make a difference."
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