From taking back packaging, batteries and electronics for recycling, increasing buy-local initiatives to a soon to launch partnership for sustainable refill stations, London Drugs says it is continuing to empower eco-conscious shopping.
As the Western Canadian retailer celebrates 80 years, it is rolling out a new store concept in Burnaby in May, which includes a first of its kind product refill station, in partnership with SC Johnson. London Drugs consumers can reduce single-use plastic waste through reusable packaging while also saving money by easily refilling popular hand soaps and dish soaps with the world’s first mess-free smart refill solution, it said in a news release.
“As we prepare to launch our innovative refill station concept with SC Johnson in a few weeks, we remain committed to our core philosophy of ‘Customer for Life’—delivering sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and their communities,” said Clint Malman, President and COO.
“At London Drugs, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s how we’ve operated for decades. Together we’re proving that retail can drive meaningful environmental change while empowering customers to make a difference. These efforts are vital because they reflect our responsibility to the communities we serve—not just today, but for generations to come.”
The company said this latest addition to its commitment to sustainability builds onto its eco-credentials which includes recycling over 10 million pounds of materials each year and provides shoppers with more sustainable purchasing options:
Greener Choices – Helps consumers identify items that feature real environmental benefits including third party certification (Fair Trade, B-Corp), reduced packaging, are biodegradable or compostable and use organic ingredients. London Drugs own line of EcoEssentials is a line of products formulated to be more sustainable and easier on consumers’ wallets.
Recycling – London Drugs is the only major retailer in BC that accepts back all flexible plastics through a partnership with Recycle BC. This keeps many hard to recycle items like stand-up pouches, plastic bags, outer packaging and even candy wrappers out of the landfill. London Drugs’ customers across western Canada can check online at www.londondrugs.com to discover the range of items that are recycled instore including soft plastics, white Styrofoam, electronics, and small appliances.
Battery & Electronics Recycling – Since 1999, London Drugs has diverted over 800,000 kg of batteries thanks to a partnership with Call2Recycle and enables secure data destruction for electronics. As well, all electronics collected back to London Drugs are broken down and recycled locally.
Light Bulbs – Including Christmas and decor lights, incandescent bulbs, florescent tubes and LED bulbs are all recycled easily at London Drugs, thanks to a partnership with ProductCare Light Recycle, where components are separated and toxic materials safely handled.
Medication Disposal – By collecting unused pharmaceuticals, London Drugs is helping safeguard waterways, impacted when old meds are flushed down drains or toilets.
Even the pallets used to move goods to and from London Drugs stores are sustainable thanks to a partnership with CHEP Pallet Rental. CHEP’s circular business model is based on the concept of “share and reuse.” With CHEP’s ‘pooling’ system, London Drugs receives the pallets they need by renting them and returning them so they can be used again.
The company said its responsible purchasing policy also prioritizes vendor partnerships who can reduce emissions, have ethical labour policies and minimize packaging. Shoppers can make easy, sustainable choices with Local Central and London Green promotions.
“Currently London Drugs also diverts over 90 per cent of its own waste from landfills, with a goal of reaching a 95 per cent diversion rate. Since 2015, the retailer has been using specialized software to help track store level diversion rates to assist with greater transparency and insight into the diversion performance of each of its 80 store locations,” it said.
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