The service, which has been available at Tesco Extra branches for the past few weeks, covers appliances such as flat-screen TVs, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, laptops and sat navs. Large appliances, such as washing machines, cookers and dishwashers are not included. For products which are not reusable, only five clubcard points are awarded, whereas those which are reusable attract a higher value.
Customers wishing to take part in the scheme have to take their goods to electrical service desks in-store, where they are put in cages and separated out according to value and sent to different companies for reuse or recycling.
The scheme is being run by London-based retail service provider SilkRoute UK Ltd, which has appointed phone reuse specialist Flipswap UK to provide an online platform whereby customers can claim their points.
Robert Skinner, SilkRoute UK director, told letsrecycle.com that he could not yet disclose the names of the companies which were handling the waste electricals but confirmed that they included five or six Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATFs) and reuse organisations.
He said: We are working with a number of companies, it is a little early to say who. We have got a number of AATFs and reuse organisations. Were looking at taking this thing to a fairly substantial level in terms of how we recycle and get things back into new manufacturing schemes and reuse. We have a decent network in place in the UK. Tesco are getting the recycling evidence.
The launch of the service follows a successful trial in late July/August in 13 stores around North London.
Funding
Commenting on how the scheme would be funded, Mr Skinner said The idea is that it is self-funded but we and Tesco have both invested in terms people and set up. Any profits will be shared.
But, he added that SilkRoute was investigating other funding sources: We are privately funded but Im talking to WRAP and other organisations about the possibility of some public funding.
According to Tesco, UK households dispose of over 1.2 million tonnes of unwanted electrical products every year.
Tesco electricals senior commercial manager Matt Finch said: Customers will be rewarded for trading in old items with giftcards and Clubcard points. By being thrifty, shoppers can make money and get rid of unwanted clutter around the home at the same time. Shoppers will be able to get everything under one roof simply by trading-in goods while they are doing the weekly food shop. At the same time they will be helping conserve natural sources as recycling avoids helps to avoid harmful substances going to landfill.
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