Smith news reception

Smiths News has launched a daily recycling collection service to support its independent customers in the West Midlands and north west.

The business said the new scheme would enable retailers to manage plastic and cardboard packaging left over from cash & carry trips and stock deliveries.

Those participating in the new scheme are given bags to recycle the material, which is then left out with newspaper returns for Smiths News to collect at the same time.

If required, customers can use the service multiple times per week for a flat fee added to their news bill. Alternatively, they can pay a weekly subscription of £3.50 for early sign-up.

“We asked customers what it takes to manage a successful independent store and dealing with waste was a key theme, as it is a pain to manage and a significant cost,” said Smiths News head of proposition development Michael Williams.

“So it makes sense to use both our delivery network and existing recycling infrastructure to help. Fitting with our own aspirations on sustainability is an added bonus.”

The collection service is being rolled out to independent retailers in the Smiths News Birmingham Group, with further areas planned for inclusion in the future.