Last year the scheme generated 863 tonnes of cards which were collected via Boots stores. Maggie Williams, co-ordinator of the scheme, said there was growing support for it across the UK and that other charities and companies such as IBM are collecting cards to submit to the Trust's scheme.
The scheme works through cards being collected at the retail outlets and sent back to the distribution depots, nine in the case of Tesco and one for WH Smith. Arrangements are then made locally for recovered paper collectors to take the material for recycling. Companies involved at this point include Severnside.
Pictured left: Environment Minister Michael Meacher has supported the project, recycling his own cards
The Woodland Trust received 15,000 last year and the money comes from recycling credits. These are generated following careful work by Nottinghamshire County Council which plays a crucial part in organising the scheme. The retailers take a note of the weight of cards generated in each local authority area and this information is passed to Nottinghamshire. The county then contacts the local authorities involved and recycling credits are usually paid out on the tonnage. Support is also provided through the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers which backs the scheme because of its importance to waste minimisation and recycling.
Cleanaway
The money is then used as 10% funding for use in raising landfill tax credits and Cleanaway put funding in to make a total of 150,000 for the project last year. The company is expected to continue supporting the project this year.
Environment Minister Michael Meacher (pictured) was confirmed today as one of many people in the UK who this month delivered their Christmas cards to the recycling bins provided by the Woodland Trust.
DEFRA said that the initiative complements its 'a;re you doing your bit?' campaign to encourage people to recycle Christmas trees, cards, wrapping paper, cans, bottles and unwanted presents left over from the festive celebrations.
Mr Meacher said: “We send a billion Christmas cards each year in this country, of which more than 90% are thrown away. As a nation, it is becoming increasingly important that we all 'd;o our bit' for the environment by reducing the amount of waste we throw away – whether that is through recycling, reusing, or buying products with less packaging. Initiatives such as the Woodland Trust's Christmas Card Recycling Scheme are an excellent example of how simple actions really can make a difference.”
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