A trial of adding plastic-toy recycling points into independent shops is planned for 2024, potentially adding footfall and helping stores support local schools. 

The Recycle to Read bin trial is currently underway in Tesco stores in partnership with magazine distributor Seymour.  It encourages donations of broken and working toys, including magazine-covermounted gifts. 

Users can register their donations on the Wastebusters website to earn ‘Planet Care Points’ for a school of their choice. The 50 highest-point-scoring schools in the trial region will share a £5,000 prize fund to purchase children’s books. 

Read more: Seymour looks to increase magazine reuse to 30m

Asked if independent stores could take part, Wastebuster director Katy Newnham told RN: “We have been reviewing how we could offer the service to independent stores, and this is something we can look into during 2024.” 

Newnham told Better Retailing that stores that express interest now will be contacted when Recycle to Read begins expanding into local shops, and will have “the first opportunity” to trial any programme it offers. 

The scheme is backed by magazine publishers and distributors including Immediate Media, Story House Egmont, Redan, Kennedy, Signature, DC Thomson, Frontline and Seymour. 

Stores can register to take part in the trial by emailing editorial@newtrade.co.uk with the subject ‘Recycle to Read’. Please include your store name, address and contact details 

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