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In tandem with Earth Day, April 22, Bi-Lo has extended its recycling efforts.

Through in-store recycling programs already in place at its 207 locations, the Mauldin, S.C.-based grocer enables shoppers and associates to recycle plastic bags and bottles conveniently at drop-off bins located by the entrances. Customers can also purchase reusable shopping bags for 99 cents each to cut down on the number of plastic bags used.

Now shoppers can earn a five-cent credit back each day at Bi-Lo when they bring their reusable bag to the store. Additionally, the chain will give an extra five cents in fuelperks! Rewards on April 22 and 23 to customers who buy five reusable bags. Shoppers outside fuelperks! markets will receive a voucher for $1 off their next transaction when they buy five reusable bags.

“Bi-Lo focuses on reducing the amount of its waste by procuring environmentally preferred supplies and packaging in our products and stores whenever possible,” explained Verle Bohrn, director of sustainability at the Southeast grocer. “Bi-Lo is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint and protecting the environment in every way, and we ask our customers to help us continue to make a difference.”

Last year, the company recycled more than 24,000 tons of cardboard and 1,300,000 pounds of plastic. To encourage even greater participation in its sustainability efforts, Bi-Lo now offers paper recycling in its stores. For every ton of recycled paper, the chain says it helps save 119 trees, 380 gallons of oil and 7,000 gallons of water.

Bi-Lo operates supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing about 15,100 people.

Source: Progressive Grocer