Black Friday Waste Statistics
With the black Friday sales hitting the shops, many of us are jumping at the opportunity to grab some bargains for Christmas. However, with the black Friday sales comes a heap of waste that is bad for the environment.
In this article, we are going to explore the environmental impact of black friday through some key statistics from this time of year.
The Environmental Cost of Black Friday: 5 Black Friday Waste Statistics
80% of Black Friday Purchases End Up In Landfill, Are Incinerated Or Are Recycled Poorly
80% of black friday products bought are not recycled effectively. Through the mass consumption in the run up to Christmas, many consumers dispose of their products wrongly. Whilst black friday weekend and the coming weeks encourages people to buy products, the disposal of this waste often ends up in landfill or incinerators.
2024 Black Friday Is Expected To Produce 429,000 Metric Tonnes Of Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Product Deliveries Alone
This incredible statistic is the same as 435 return flights from London to New York! With the addition of returned products, it is clear to see the huge carbon footprint of Black Friday. As the sales are available with online shopping, habits also increase with purchases available at the comfort of our homes.
An Estimated 1.5 Million Tonnes of Waste Is Produced In The UK On Black Friday Alone
Purchases on black Friday alone produce a monumental 1.5 tonnes of waste, with the majority coming from packaging such as cardboard and plastic. Whilst much of these materials are recyclable, huge quantities of these materials are incorrectly disposed of. This leads to vast amounts ending in landfills, leading to further pollution.
Black Friday creates 700,000 tonnes of cardboard and plastic packaging waste in the UK
Following on from our previous statistic, the sheer volume of cardboard and plastic packaging waste produced is staggering. Although in recent years many businesses are innovating with eco-friendly packaging, most of our products are packaged using plastic or cardboard materials.
Approximately 29% of Electrical Waste Created Because of Black Friday Is Recycled
Each year, the event generates a surge in discarded electronics, with only about 29% of this waste being recycled. The remaining majority often ends up in landfills, contributing to pollution and the loss of valuable materials. This low recycling rate highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and improved e-waste recycling programs.
What Is Green Friday?
Green Friday is a movement that encourages sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional shopping practices associated with Black Friday. While Black Friday focuses on high-volume consumerism, often with significant discounts and sales, Green Friday shifts the focus toward mindful consumption and reducing environmental impact.
We Collect and Recycle Waste For Businesses
If you are a business generating large volumes of waste, we can offer collections across the UK. This includes materials such as cardboard, electronic equipment, hazardous waste, chemicals, batteries and much more.
We can also supply waste balers to help you compact your waste safely for transportation. Get in touch with our team today to book your collection or to find out more about our recycling services.
