Kroger set to launch recycling campaign

CINCINNATI Kroger is encouraging customers to salvage their plastics.

The company has launched a major plastic recycling program called “Bag 2 Bag” at its central division, which will be in full swing by the end of November and will extend across the chain and its subsidiaries by the end of the year.

The Cincinnati-based retailer has placed custom-designed barrels in each Kroger, Pay Less, Owen's, Scott's, and Hilander stores across the multi-state central division to allow customers to deposit plastic grocery bags, dry cleaning plastic, and other types of plastic bags for recycling. The stores will recycle plastic materials, such as shrink-wrap, in the barrels.

"The impact of plastic bags on our environment has long been a concern to Kroger," said Bob Moeder, Kroger's central division president. "Plastic bags are one of the largest single items found in our landfills and a major source of pollution across the country."

Moeder said Kroger anticipates the program "will gain support quickly" and "generate broad participation" among customers.