All Co-ops in Macclesfield can now recycle single use plastic, following a test launch at Prestbury Co-op last year.

Every single Co-op Food store in Macclesfield will now recycle soft, single use plastic. 

The news was announced during an event called Sustainability Live as part of the Great Big Green Week.

To celebrate the milestone, free wildflower seeds were handed to customers. The seeds were embedded inside leaflets about what the Co-op is doing to tackle the climate crisis. 

A leaflet containing information about what the Co-op is doing for our planet, embedded with a mix of wildflower seeds, next to the soft plastic recycling bin you can find near the entrance of all Macclesfield Co-ops. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Regional Member Pioneer Manager Madhusudhan Roy came down to Prestbury Village Co-op to mark the occasion.

"This Prestbury event was one of 100 happening simultaneously around the country", he said. 

"Customers loved the idea of being given wildflowers in a recycled paper leaflet, that you can plant in spring. 

"The purpose of the event is all about what we are doing for the environment. 

"We have also ensured in the past year that all of our own Co-op brand food products are recyclable.

"This is either in your regular household bin, or in store with the soft plastic recycling bins that you can now find at every Macclesfield Co-op. 

"We want to provide an accessible route to recycling single use plastic nationwide, that not all councils are able to consistently provide. 

"The most popular items recycled in the blue bins are crisp packets and bread bags. Just make sure you clean them out first with no food debris. 

Make sure you have cleared all food debris from the plastic you choose to recycle e.g seeds at the bottom of a bread bag. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"The recycled materials are processed in the UK and turned into plastic granules which are then turned into other products, particularly materials to help those in the construction industry."

There are nine Co-op Foods in Macclesfield. Aside Prestbury, you can recycle your single use plastics at the following stores; Bollington, West Park Drive, Buxton Road, London Road, Thornton Square, Ivymeade, Hurdsfield, Westmorland Close.

"The Co-op is committed to making it easier for our members, customers and communities to make small changes to their everyday lives," added Roy. 

"Together, we might be able to make a big difference to our environment. 

Right now, you can recycle your soft plastics at over 2,200 Co-op stores across the UK, including every one in the Macclesfield area. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"The soft plastic recycling scheme has had overwhelmingly positive feedback both locally and nationally."

This time last year, Prestbury Co-op was one of the first to get the little blue bins located near the entrance of the store. 

Their new store manager Ryan Brett had this to say on the initiative, which has now been rolled out nationwide.

"It is quite amazing how many people use it", he said. 

Prestbury Co-op Manager Ryan Brett (centre). (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Our soft plastic bin is emptied every day, sometimes every day and night. 

"It just goes to show how ethical both the Co-op and the communities around Macclesfield are."

An extensive list of what can be recycled in the 70 litre capacity units can be found below:

• Baby, pet food, detergent and cleaning pouches
• Biscuits and chocolate wrapping
• Bread bags
• Bubble wrap and cling film
• Cereal liners
• Cheese, fish and meat wrapping
• Crisp and sweet bags
• Delivery bags
• Frozen food bags
• Multi-pack wrapping
• Plastic carrier bags
• Plastic film lids
• Salad, pasta and rice bags
• Toilet roll wrapping
• Pancake packs

The store is open daily from 7am to 10pm, and is located on The Village, Prestbury, Macclesfield SK10 4AL. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Co-op Member Pioneer Co-ordinator Martin Bates, who oversees how all stores in Macclesfield interact with their community, had this to say on the Co-op's action on all things eco. 

"We have added an extra mission in the funds that we distribute to local good causes, to consider causes which fight climate change and improve biodiversity," he said. 

Macclesfield: To read more about the Co-op's Ten Point Plan for Climate Change, please click here. And you can learn about their commitment to tackling the war on plastic by clicking here. 

Co-op membership helps support your local community, with great rewards for you too. When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and we'll give the same to local communities. Join the Co-op today online at this webpage or in-store.

The Co-op Food are proud sponsors of Macclesfield Nub News. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

See Also: Meet new Prestbury Co-op Store Manager Ryan Brett

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