SAINSBURY’S is encouraging its customers to recycle their Christmas cards and wrapping paper at its supermarkets to make a positive impact to the environment.

They have until Tuesday January 13 to bring in any of their old cards and wrapping paper to collection boxes situated at the front of Sainsbury’s stores at The Malls shopping centre in Basingstoke town centre and at Kempshott.

The recycling drive is part of the retailer’s partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) UK.

The collected cards will be recycled by Sainsbury’s who will make a donation to FSC UK based on the volume of cards collected in its stores. Last year it donated over £9,000 to help the FSC with its work to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. Collection boxes are available in now in over 880 supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the country.

Sainsbury’s Kempshott store manager, Daryl Copper said: “We had a really good response from our customers last year and with their help, we’re hoping to make an even bigger contribution this time.

“It’s a great way to continue that goodwill feeling and ensure your cards are put to positive use, which is all part of our ‘No Waste to Landfill’ commitment.”

FSC UK deputy director Rosie Teasdale, said: “Sainsbury’s Kempshott and Basingstoke’s donation provides essential support for our education and awareness-raising work, helping us to support people in the UK protect the world’s forests. Recycling paper results in less waste going to landfill, it reduces the pressure on forests, and it’s helping to give future generations the gift of healthy forests.”