Putting Out Disposable BBQs for Good – 20th April Awareness Campaign
W&S Recycling teamed up with Litter Free Dorset (LFD) and the Southern Co-op to carry out an eye-opening project highlighting the dangers of single-use BBQs.
With summer just around the corner, disposable BBQs will soon start flying off supermarket shelves once more – but the question we’re asking is – at what cost?
This project, taking place at W&S Recycling, aims to spread awareness when it comes to the problems that “throwaway” BBQs can cause for the environment, wildlife and public.
The Awareness Project
A team of volunteers will be deconstructing 8000 disposable BBQs, kindly donated by the Southern Co-op, to highlight just how difficult these single-use grills are to get rid of safely.
Southern Co-op permanently removed disposable barbecues from their shelves in 2022 and were looking for a way to ensure of their leftover stock responsibly. Litter Free Dorset and W&S Recycling were keen to provide the solution whilst using the opportunity to spread awareness about the problems caused by “throwaway” BBQs.
The BBQs will be dismantled, and the component parts will be recycled by W&S. The plastic sleeves, paper liners, and cardboard outer trays will be processed alongside household recycling; the metal grill sheet and foil trays will go to W&S’ scrap metal site, and the six tonnes of charcoal briquettes are being donated to Swanage Railway for use on the Swanage Steam Train.
This recycling process will be conducted throughout the day, covered by local media outlets, to demonstrate the extent of work needed to dispose of unused single-use BBQs in an environmentally friendly way.
Over 60 volunteers will be involved with the project, including helpers from Dorset Council, Wessex Water, The National Trust and the Marine Conservation Society.
What’s the Problem with Disposable BBQs?
Whilst disposable BBQs may seem to offer a convenient way to cook al-fresco, their ease-of-use comes at a price.
Once burned, single-use BBQs are almost impossible to recycle, meaning that they end up being incinerated, sent to landfill, or (frequently) left behind on beaches or park land.
The physical remains of disposable grills pose a risk to wildlife. On top of this, disposable BBQs are responsible for starting numerous wildfires each year.
In 2022, the devastating Studland Heath fire was likely caused by a disposable barbecue. This fire not only put wildlife at risk but also the lives of the 90 fire fighters who tackled the blaze and the general public.
In fact, shocking statistics from the Home Office have shown that approximately 4% of fires can be linked to BBQ use, demonstrating the dangers that can come alongside using grills without proper care.
Raising Awareness About Disposable BBQs
W&S Recycling are proud to be an integral part of this recycling project, helping to safely dispose of approximately 8000 unused “throwaway” BBQs. We hope that the awareness spread by this campaign will help people think twice about using disposable BBQs.
More than anything, we are keen to look after our planet, our wildlife, our emergency services and our beautiful countryside. One small decision, like opting against a disposable BBQ this summer, could have a truly beneficial impact on the safety and preservation of our country.
Keep up to date with the project, taking place at the W&S Material Recycling Facility in Poole, by following the hashtag #BanDisposableBBQS on Thursday 20th April.
For more information about our awareness campaign, or our recycling services, get in touch or call us on 01202 675564.
