In 2010, we launched a comprehensive guest-facing recycling program in our stores, in order to bring our commitment to recycling out of the backroom and into the forefront, allowing guests to become part of the process. By making our recycling programs easily accessible to both our guests and our team members, we’re working together to make an even bigger impact.

Thanks to recycling stations found at the entrance to every store, guests can now easily recycle cans, glass plastic bottles, plastic bags, MP3 players, ink cartridges and cell phones during their trips to Target. The materials collected are then added to those we’re already recycling—including corrugated cardboard, plastic shrink wrap, garment hangers and shopping carts—making our recycling program one of the most robust in the industry.

We’ve already seen how our proactive efforts and program expertise is helping lawmakers make recommendations for future recycling and waste legislation. This recycling program has helped our Government Affairs team demonstrate that recycling is a strong alternative to all-out plastic bag bans in states that are considering ways to legislate sustainability.

So how much waste has been saved so far? In 2011, we collected and recycled more than 1,000 tons of plastic, glass and aluminum bottles and cans; more than 7,000 tons of shrink wrap and plastic bags; and more than 7 million pounds of electronics.

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