Recycle to Read & The Toy Take Back
Recycling plastic toys in association with EPPIC and Products of Change
Wastebuster in association with EPPIC (Extended Plastics Partnership for Innovation in Circularity) and Products of Change is bringing together cross-sector stakeholders to share knowledge, resources, and finance, to develop an efficient, environmental, and sustainable infrastructure for recycling plastic toys, initially in the UK.
The programme, operating under the title ‘Recycle to Read’, will engage consumers to recycle right and recycle toys (including small electricals and textiles), and to reward participating schools and communities with books and reading resources to improve children’s literacy.
The Recycle to Read programme unlocks the value of collaborative advantage. It provides an industry-wide infrastructure solution for recycling all plastic toys, that consumers can engage with easily. By coordinating toy, tech and textiles take back collections in retailers, schools, and household recycling centres, across the UK, the programme will unlock considerable social, economic, and environmental benefits. The programme also provides research and industry insight into toy design for recyclability, to support the move towards a more circular future for toy production.
Recycle to Read is more than just a recycling campaign and environmental educational programme, it is a collective impact programme and dynamic research project that provides a solution to a complex issue, through multi-stakeholder collaboration including industry, government, and consumers.
By becoming a member of the Recycle to Read Partnership you can:
- Help ensure the toy industry has a sustainable future and recycling solution
- Proactively lead change ahead of government legislation
- Support and contribute to new and better intelligence on the recyclability of toys and product design
- Demonstrate responsibility for your products in the market giving assurance to your consumers
- Utilise resources for the promotion of responsible consumption to your consumers
THE RECYCLE TO READ SOLUTION
Collection and Recycling
- The infrastructure, technology and network has been developed and will be managed to collect and recycle plastic toys including small electricals and electronics/ ‘tech’ and textiles
- Dedicated collection points will be set up in participating schools and retailers
- Schools and retailers will receive branded collection receptacles, signage, and promotional materials
- Electricals and textiles will be sent for reuse or recycling and any revenue generated will subsidise the collections system and rewards
- The recycled plastic will be used to create new products such as playground equipment and outdoor furniture
- Research will be undertaken into new recycling technologies and product design for recyclability, to provide members with industry guidelines and recommendations
Awareness and Education
- A UK-wide school’s campaign will be launched on Wastebuster’s education platform, The Pod, to provide information and educational resources to UK schools, with an existing network of 17.800 Pod schools
- A Wastebuster consumer-facing website for kids will engage and inform families directly
- Members will be provided with a fully comprehensive style guide which includes the Wastebuster characters, assets, and educational messaging along with a calendar of themes to complement the programme
- Bold, colourful, branding and use of Wastebuster’s characters will give the collection points consistent messaging, maximum standout, and potential for public engagement
Recycling Rewards
- The campaign will encourage the public to recycle toys (and small tech and textiles) to give books to schools, to support children’s literacy
- Families that recycle in their school/s will earn recycling reward points for their school
- Customers that recycle in retail stores will gain recycling reward points for local schools
- Recycling reward points can be exchanged for books and magazine subscriptions (digital and hard copy)
- Digital badge rewards will be available for participating children via the Wastebuster Kids website
- Wastebuster reward themes will be refreshed to keep interest in the campaign over a longer period e.g. Recycle to Play, Recycle for Sport, Recycle for Eco-Clubs etc
MEMBER BENEFITS
By bringing together a critical mass of cross-sector members, Recycle to Read can deliver a recycling system for toys that benefits its members, society and most importantly, the environment.
As a registered member of Recycle to Read you will benefit from:
Communications: A licence to use the Recycle to Read style guides and media pack plus member certification logo (for use on company websites and products) & kids recycling iconography (for product and packaging)
Visibility: A highly visible campaign to demonstrate your company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Expertise: An opportunity to partner with sector leaders in specialist plastics, electricals and textiles collection and recycling, education, and communication.
Reporting: Regular campaign updates and reports, detailing the social, economic, and environmental impact of the scheme.
Intelligence: An opportunity to access findings from research and insight work on UK recycling and the recyclability of toys including resources and guidelines on product design for recyclability
Membership fees to the programme for phase 1-3 will range from a minimum of £5k to a maximum of £50k, depending on organisation type and the member package required.
To find out more, contact us via email
PUBLISHERS
A solution for your
covermount plastic toys
LICENSORS
Align your brands
with environmental messaging
TOY COMPANIES
Improve the recyclability
of your toys
RETAILERS
Engage your customers
in recycling more
Sign up to attend the webinar on April 28th 11:00-12:00 GMT
Enter your details below to register and receive the conference details.
JOIN US FOR OUR WEBINAR
APRIL 28th 2021 | 11-00-12.00 GMT
RESOURCES
Introduction Webinar Video – 23rd July 2020
This webinar video provides an introduction to Recycle to Read & The Wastebuster Toy Take Back.
Round Table Webinar Video – 12th August 2020
This webinar video is the round table webinar for Recycle to Read & The Wastebuster Toy Take Back.
Local Authority Webinar Video – 5th November 2020
This webinar video is the local authority webinar for Recycle to Read & The Wastebuster Toy Take Back.
WHO WE ARE
Our Goal
- To provide a robust and economical infrastructure for the collection and recycling of toys, small WEEE and textiles in the UK
- To engage and educate families to recycle more and recycle right.
- To supply industry with the research and science to create more sustainable products.
- To create greater circularity within the UK toy industry, in a manner that can be replicated in other territories.
WASTEBUSTER
Wastebuster is one of the UK’s leading environmental education companies. With a network of over 24,000 schools in over 56 countries, Wastebuster specialises in recycling reward campaigns that unlock social, economic, and environmental benefits for the societies in which they operate.
EPPIC
EPPIC is a collaborative project designed to find ways to recover plastics that are not currently supported by kerbside recycling collections.
PRODUCTS OF CHANGE
Products of Change brings together a strong community of brand owners, retailers, content creators, innovators, manufacturing partners and marketing experts who by learning and connecting through the platform can drive sustainable change within their respective businesses while maintaining a commercial footing.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Katy Newnham
Founder
Tap to read more
Following an early career as a commercial underwater photographer, and having documented the impact of El Niño, climate change and pollution in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Katy Newnham, founder and CEO of Wastebuster moved into conservation and education. Working with partners ranging from international corporates, NGO’s, Governments and the UN to deliver education and awareness programmes that support development of the circular economy, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Helena Stopher
Licensing, Brand & Retail
Tap to read more
With a 20-year career in the licensing industry across media and lifestyle brands, working with companies such as HIT Entertainment, Mattel, Marvel and more recently driving sustainable change within the consumer products division at National Geographic. Helena is leading the conversation for a more sustainable industry through ‘Products of Change’, an online platform created to enable business to be educated around sustainable practices. The platform provides a networking zone to enable its members to connect and drive peer to peer learnings, as well as delivering educational materials, research documentation, videos, podcasts, webinars and a weekly newsletter. Helena is also curator for the first sustainability in licensing conference (SILC) taking place on the 24th and 25th of November 2020 and is looking forward to seeing how together, as an industry, we can drive sustainable change.
Emily Bell
Editorial, PR & Marketing
Tap to read more
Emily Bell is a personal and professional development coach with 15 year’s experience in licensing and marketing for the children's magazine industry. Whilst working for Redan Publishing Ltd, Emily ran the company's consumer and B2B marketing campaigns and was responsible for developing and managing relationships with global brand owners, such as eOne. She regularly negotiated contracts and liaised across departments for iconic brands such as Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and PJ Masks. During that time, Emily became increasingly aware of the need for those working within the children's entertainment sector, to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their business models and come together to create a more sustainable future, for the success of their industry and our planet.
David Ingham
Collections & Recycling
Tap to read more
While studying environmental science at university David came to the realisation that improving the sustainable management of resources and moving from a linear to circular economy is a fundamental requirement for society to live sustainably. Over the last 20 years David has had the privilege of leading the development of ground-breaking public recycling services, behaviour change campaigns and facilitating collaborative working between the public, commercial and third sector organisations.
Simon Smith
Business Development
Tap to read more
During his 10 years as a Teacher in London, Simon found a passion for engaging students in issues, such as the environment and current affairs. As G&T Co-ordinator, he led on involvement with organisations such as Debate Mate, Speak Out and on whole school events such as Word Book Day and Earth Day. As a keen gardener, traveller, and diver, he has seen the impact of waste on the environment all around the world which drives his desire for action. Having subsequently managed client accounts for an events venue, Simon has returned to Wastebusters, for which he was a founding member in 2008.
Ian Milton
Digital
Tap to read more
Having always had a passion for natural history and the environment, Ian went on to complete a postgraduate diploma on environmental management after a degree in marine biology and oceanography before he started working with the environmental education company Wastebuster CIC in 2009. As an avid gardener and walker he often sees environmental effects, especially as they become more apparent. His love of knowledge helps him to keep up-to-date with the increasing pace of both environmental and educational change, and allows him to understand the connection between them whilst acknowledging how education can make a real positive difference.
Sandra Bell
Communications
Tap to read more
With a flair for creativity, Sandra is a Chartered Institute of Marketing professional, with over 25 years’ experience of marketing to the technology, not for profit, charity, and environmental sectors.
ADVISORY BOARD
Jerry Burnie OBE
Chairman for their Safety and Sustainability Committees, BTHA Tap to read more
Jerry has worked with the BTHA (www.btha.co.uk) for 19 years. He is the Chairman for their Safety and Sustainability Committees, Retailer Safety Forum and Regulatory Safety Forum and is a member of their main operating council. Jerry represents the BTHA with UK Government, standards development committees and with Trading standards. He co-ordinates the work of the BTHA Toy Safety Advisory service which produces easy to use guidance for members for the UK and EU. He was awarded an OBE for his services to business and consumers related to his work in toy safety.
Sonia Sánchez
Impact & Sustainability Consultant Tap to read more
Co-founder of STAC, a pioneering sustainability consultancy specialising in supporting toy companies in navigating their sustainability journey. As a co-organiser of the bio!TOY Conference and author of the influential "Changing the World TOY BY TOY" whitepaper, her expertise has become a reference for sustainability-focused toy companies. Sonia actively advocates for sustainability through collaboration, engaging with the WiT Sustainability Committee and spearheading a Sustainable Toys Network for Spanish-speaking toy companies (JS-RAC). She coordinated the Asian Toy and Play Association's position paper on Extended Producer Responsibility Policies, and collaborates with the Spielenwarenmesse Toys Go Green space. Sonia is a devoted B Corp advocate, championing the B Corp Movement to foster sustainability and competitiveness and regularly engages in training, public speaking and media contributions.
Dr. Amanda Gummer
Fundamentally Children
Tap to read more
Amanda is the CEO of the research consultancy Fundamentally Children (www.fundamentallychildren.com) and Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide (www.goodplayguide.com) - a consumer-facing review site for children’s toys, apps, learning and baby products. She has a PhD in neuropsychology, the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years experience working with children and families. Widely considered as the UK’s go to expert on play, parenting and child development, her book ‘Play’ was published in May 2105 and has been translated into different languages with extracts being published in the USA’s Toy Industry Association’s Genius of Play initiative for which she is an expert ambassador. Amanda has an increasing international profile and was commissioned by the Toy Association to create the STEAM toy accreditation framework. She is the UK Chapter chair for Women in Toys - an international networking group within the toy and licensing industries and mentors international startups in the children’s space. Amanda is regularly in the media and continues to take an active role in research, presenting papers at various international conferences. She is often involved in government policy around children’s issues, presenting her Balanced Play Model at the European Parliament in September 2019. She is an NED for Families in Focus CIC - a charity supporting parents of children with additional needs and other mission-driven start ups. She is also a founder member of the Children’s Activities Association.
Anne Hitch
RECOUP
Tap to read more
Anne is RECOUP’s Head of Citizen & Stakeholder Strategy and leads on all RECOUP’s education and engagement programmes including Pledge2 Recycle Plastics and school’s work. Anne has experience in plastics trading and has led on projects ranging from PP recycling of paint pots, post-consumer EPS and is currently leading on work looking at plastics within the medical sector. Anne in her role at RECOUP also has a talent for being able to take the technical aspects of plastics recycling and relaying those principles in a way that can be understood by citizens.
Laura Crehan
REPIC
Tap to read more
Laura has extensive experience of the electrical recycling (WEEE) industry incorporating both commercial and operational positions. In her previous role, she progressed from site administrator to overall site management of a leading Electrical Recycling Facility (AATF). Now, as Member Account Manager at REPIC, Laura works closely with Electrical Producers and Retailers, supporting them with circular economy initiatives and legislative compliance. She is passionate about helping the producers of electrical products, including toys, develop items that are long-lasting, sustainable and minimise environmental impact and is pleased to be supporting Wastebusters on the Recycle to Read programme.
Chris Greenfield
National Literacy Trust
Tap to read more
Chris has led all business partnerships for the Department of Education’s early years literacy campaign, Hungry Little Minds. His experience is in sales, partnership management and fundraising. Prior to NLT, Chris led all fundraising and marketing activity at children’s literacy non-profit Pop Up Projects CIC. He has worked to develop partnerships with Greggs, Puma, Morrison’s, Arriva, Clarks and Penguin Random House.
Peter Rooke
Art and Science International
Tap to read more
The platinum hair reflects the years of wisdom and inspiration Peter has brought to marketing campaigns around the World. As a Client at BAT and Gillette, a Consultant at Clarke Hooper, an Owner at The Pea Green Boat and The Yellow Submarine he has led the growth of 100’s of brands. Guinness, Mattel, Hasbro, Kraft, Sony, Heinz, and Government Departments are just a few who have valued his insight and creativity. He founded Art + Science in 2004 to help share his experience with other like-minded entrepreneurs, inventors, and investors.
Michael Sturges
Innventia & RISE
Tap to read more
Michael has worked in the field of environmental responsibility for over twenty-five years. He has been an advisor to the Professional Publishing Association's Sustainability Action Group for the past twenty years, during which time he has worked with a number of stakeholders on actions to reduce the environmental impact of covermounts. For the past eight years he has also provided services to suppliers of a major QSR chain, including identifying opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of free toys given away with kid's meals.
Paul Torre
Immediate Media
Tap to read more
Paul is the Director of Buying, Sustainability and Ethical Compliance at Immediate Media Company. Paul has over 20 years experience in product sourcing and has worked in several sectors including High Street retail, sports and leisure attractions. For the past 8 years Paul has managed the covermount sourcing programme for Immediate Media Company which is the number one children`s magazine publisher. It publishers over 20 magazine brands working with amazing licensing partners including BBC, Disney and LEGO.
Laura Fernandez
Ocado
Tap to read more
Laura fell into packaging by default 10 years ago but soon became her passion. She has worked at M&S for a number of years and has just joined Ocado as Sustainability Packaging Manager. Laura is a Board Member of the Industry Council for Research on Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), RECOUP and EcoPack at Packaging Innovations and has been a judge for UK Packaging Awards since 2016. An avid promoter of circular economy, Laura is driven to ensure we leave the planet better than we found it.
Rob Spindley
Consultant Tap to read more
Rob has been in the Licensing Industry for over 15 years has experience in brand development, manufacturing, licensing In/Out from the perspective of Licensor, Agent and licensee. Working with global leading Licensors, including The Walt Disney company, Fox, NBC Universal, Technicolor and the BBC. Developing incredible brands such as Minions, Ice Age, The Simpsons and BBC Earth.
Phil Conran
360 Environmental
Tap to read more
Phil has worked in the waste industry for 30 years having previously been responsible for recycling development at Biffa and currently providing support to businesses and local authorities on waste legislation through the consultancy www.360environmental.co.uk. For the past 6 years, he has chaired the Government’s Advisory Committee on Packaging and also chairs the WEEE industry’s AATF Forum. He is an avid fan of Wastebuster and is very excited about helping to raise awareness and recycling levels amongst the younger generation.
Robyn Thorn
Rocket Edutainment
Tap to read more
Robyn is the co-creator of the Pod (jointhepod.org) an environmental education programme, that was launched in 2008 and took just four years to engage more than 10 million school children. Although aimed at a UK audience, schools from across the globe have registered with the programme. She also created environmental campaigns like Switch Off Fortnight, Waste Week and Whats Under Your Feet?, that reach over 2 million children each year. Robyn has worked for EDF Energy - one of the largest utilities in the UK as well as with organisations like the Met Office, and charities Keep Britain Tidy, The British Trust for Ornithology, Eco-schools and Wastebuster.
Jane Bevis
Chair OPRL
Tap to read more
Jane is Chair of OPRL Ltd, the not-for-profit giving recycling advice on packaging and defining packaging recyclability through its tools and certification scheme. She helped establish OPRL in 2009 and has led its expansion, building recognition to 3 in 4 citizens. Jane is a school Governor at Saint Gabriel’s College, South London.
Dr Lesley Henderson
Brunel University
Tap to read more
Dr Lesley Henderson is Reader in Sociology & Communications, in the Dept of Social & Political Sciences at Brunel University London. She is an expert in media entertainment and social change with over 20 years of experience in teaching and research focused on science, health and environmental communications. Currently Lesley is researching public perceptions and behaviours regarding microplastics and plastics pollution in the UK / EU with international research in Nigeria, Vietnam, and Indonesia. She provides scientific advice on policy in relation to plastics pollution, circular economy and marine pollution (including DEFRA, EU, UN) and was Scientific Consultant on the adventure documentary film ‘A Plastic Ocean’ (Netflix, 2017). She has published widely on media and public understanding of science, health and risk and leads the interdisciplinary Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPLaSH) at Brunel
Professor Thomas Webb
Sheffield University
Tap to read more
Thomas is an experienced psychologist, with expertise in understanding and changing behaviour. He has published >100 papers to date, including work on the role of motivation, planning, and monitoring progress in shaping behaviour. His recent research translates these insights to tackle issues pertaining to sustainability and he co-leads the "Many Happy Returns" project, funded by the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge. The project will explore the optimum materials, processes, and technologies for reusable plastic packaging systems and develop practices to encourage reuse http://grantham.sheffield.ac.uk/many-happy-returns-packaging/
Peter Flew
Roehampton University
Tap to read more
Peter Flew, FCCT, is the Director of the School of Education at the University of Roehampton, one of the oldest and largest providers of Initial Teacher Education in the UK. He trained to teach following a successful career in IT in investment banking and he has been a supporter of Wastebuster CIC since helping out with its first projects in schools. A former primary school headteacher, Peter is also a trustee of the Royal Academy of Dance and a specialist in safeguarding.
Sophie Bloomfield
Sophie Bloomfield Consultancy
Tap to read more
Sophie has been working with all-sized Brand owners to help them find their one-of-a-kind message. With a foundation of knowledge, learning and work experience in fashion, and later specialising in Licensing Consumer Products. Starting her career in Sports Luxe for Adidas Y-3 label, then moving to blue chip Media companies like Viacom CBS. Then agency side, managing creative strategy and roll out for Licensors like MGM, Netflix, Pernod Ricard, Yale University, and the MET gallery New York. Sophie's passion for the environment, wildlife and the planet has led her to collaborating on this project with the team.
JUNIOR ADVISORY BOARD
Tabitha
Tap to read more
Age 9 1/2 Likes - My Cat (Coco) and Swimming Dislikes - Peas, but also Homework!
Audrey
Tap to read more
Age 5 Likes - Lego Dislikes - Lockdown Wants to be a teacher when she grows up
Olivia
Tap to read more
Age 6 Likes - Dancing Dislikes - Carrots
Joe
Tap to read more
Age - 11 Likes - Art Dislikes - Courgette
Jesse
Tap to read more
Age 11 Likes - Acting Dislikes - Tomato’s
Oscar
Tap to read more
Age - 10 Likes – Goal Keeping Dislikes –BMX Club
Poppy
Tap to read more
Age - 8 Likes - Telling jokes Dislikes - Mushrooms
Lani
Tap to read more
Age: 9 Likes - Christmas Dislikes - Peanut butter
Phoebe
Tap to read more
Age - 7 Likes- Dancing Dislikes- Frittata
Reggie
Tap to read more
Age - 11 Likes - Dodgeball Dislikes - Eggs
Edie
Tap to read more
Age - 10 Likes - My Dogs Dislikes - Tangerines
Harry
Tap to read more
Age - 10 Likes - Jurassic World Dislikes - Marmite
SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS
Smiths News
Tap to read more
Smiths News are delighted to be supporting Wastebusters with the ‘Tesco Recycle To Read Initiative’. Providing consumers the option to recycle children’s covermounted magazine toys and earn rewards for their local schools is definitely a win for all parties. https://www.smithsnews.co.uk
Menzies Distribution
Tap to read more
Menzies Distribution is a specialist time-critical logistics provider, with a unique national network that sees us visit every postcode, every day. We are delighted to support Recycle to Read, in collaboration with Frontline and Seymour. We recognise the project’s tremendous value in promoting the best outcomes for children through education and the environment. https://www.menziesdistribution.com
Seymour
Tap to read more
Seymour is the largest distributor of UK magazines internationally. https://seymour.co.uk/
Frontline
Tap to read more
Frontline is the UK’s leading magazine sales, marketing, and distribution company. https://frontlinedistribution.co.uk/
TCS
Tap to read more
The creative source, responsibly sourcing products for the future https://www.tcseurope.co.uk/
Impact Recycling
Tap to read more
Developers of sustainable solutions for the recycling of post-consumer plastics which are both financially profitable and also protect the environment. https://impact-recycling.com/
Recoup
Tap to read more
The UK’s leading research and development organisation, promoting improvements and advancements in plastic recycling schemes and systems. https://www.recoup.org/
REPIC
Tap to read more
A not-for-profit organisation that is the UK’s market leader in producer compliance schemes for WEEE, batteries and packaging. https://repic.co.uk/
Sheffield University
Tap to read more
Sheffield University is a world top-100 university renowned for the excellence, impact and distinctiveness of our research-led learning and teaching https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/about
National Literacy Trust
Tap to read more
An independent charity dedicated to improving the literacy of the UK’s most disadvantaged children and communities through education, campaigns and research https://literacytrust.org.uk/
Harper Collins Publishers
Tap to read more
With a history stretching back over 200 years, HarperCollins is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world. https://harpercollins.co.uk/
Wastebuster
Tap to read more
A Community Interest Company that promotes social change in environmental awareness in children and young people through entertainment and education. https://www.wastebuster.co.uk/
The Pod
Tap to read more
Wastebuster’s multi-media environmental education program delivered into 22,000 schools focusing on energy, waste and biodiversity. https://www.jointhepod.org/
FOUNDER MEMBERS
Arts + Science International
Tap to read more
Art and Science are an international brand development agency with an inspirational team of marketing pioneers, strategists, designers, sales and licencing consultants - http://www.artistsandscientists.com/.
Smart Games
Tap to read more
For more than 25 years now Smart has been committed to create inspirational & educational toys - https://www.smartgames.eu/uk/our-smart-story.
Immediate Media
Tap to read more
Immediate is a special interest content and platform company. Their fast-growing, multi-platform media business is home to over 1,200 people across eight divisions. Immediate own and operate some of the best-loved brands in the UK. They focus on special interest markets, engaging over 87 million global passionate consumers each month, offering them world-class content and innovative new products and services - https://www.immediate.co.uk/.
MEMBERS HUB
You must register to receive login details to access the Members Hub.
Please contact Katy Newnham, Founder of Wastebuster for more information
CONTACT US
For collection partner enquiries
For local authority enquiries
Jules@recycletoread.org
For member (and membership) enquiries
Katy@recycletoread.org