Otley Liberal Democrat Councillor's Condemn Sainsbury's Decision to Remove Recycling Points

Councillors Sandy Lay, Colin Campbell & Ryk Downes, representing the residents of Otley and Yeadon on Leeds City Council, have strongly condemned Sainsbury's recent decision to remove recycling points from its stores across the country including Otley and the detrimental impact it will have on local recycling efforts.

“Sainsbury's has decided to eliminate recycling facilities, including those for cardboard, paper, glass bottles, and tins, from its stores across the UK. This decision comes despite the supermarket's claim to support easy recycling for customers” says Cllr Sandy Lay.

Cllr Colin Campbell expressed deep concern about the removal of these essential recycling points in Otley. "Residents have come to rely on these facilities to responsibly dispose of their everyday household waste while doing their shopping. Sainsbury's decision to eliminate these services is deeply disappointing and will undoubtedly hurt local recycling efforts”

Commenting on the news Cllr Ryk Downes said "We must prioritise sustainability and environmental responsibility in our community. Removing accessible recycling points is a step in the wrong direction”.

Otley Town Council Leader Cllr Richard Hughes said “The decision to focus on soft, flexible plastic recycling within the store is questionable, given the known challenges associated with recycling such materials”. 

All four councillors are calling on Sainsbury's to reconsider its decision. “We have written to Sainsbury’s urging them to reconsider their decision” said Cllr Lay, “and we are encouraging residents to voice their concerns by doing the same. Everyone has a responsibility to work towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future and that includes Sainsbury’s “.