Dobbies expands compost bag recycling scheme across UK

Garden centre chain Dobbies has expanded its compost bag recycling scheme following a successful trial across 10 of its stores. 

Customers across the country can now recycle compost bags at all mainline Dobbies’ stores. This packaging is typically difficult for people to recycle as very few local authorities collect polythene sacks as part of kerbside collections or at recycling centres.  

This expansion follows research from Dobbies earlier this year which revealed that 35% of gardeners want to recycle more of their garden waste products and 39% of people are more likely to shop at a garden centre that is sustainably focused. 

Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies, says: “Anyone can bring in any compost bags, no matter what brand or where it was purchased, and place it in the dedicated recycling bins. 

“It has been so positive to see the success of the scheme, and with this expansion we are looking forward to widening access for gardeners across the UK and increasing the positive impact of the project.” 

In line with the trial scheme, Dobbies will continue to work with partners Evergreen Garden Care, to create garden furniture from the recycled material. This will be donated to Greenfingers, a charity that creates green spaces for terminally ill children.  

Jane Hartley, sustainability marketing manager, Evergreen Garden Care, adds: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Dobbies and have worked with the 10 stores to develop a collection programme that will work across all stores. The initial findings from the trial has enabled us to identify the best locations of the bins in store and simplify the collection process.” 

The expansion of the scheme follows other environmental initiatives, including a partnership with sustainable plant pot designer, elho. This has seen plastic pot recycling bins placed in 69 Dobbies which will help reduce unnecessary plastic waste in the garden and prevent further plastic waste from ending up in landfill. 

Dobbies is also the first garden centre group to only sell peat-free compost while its own-brand, John Innes peat-free compost won RHS Chelsea Sustainable Garden Product of the Year.