As Black Friday (24^th November) approaches, Brits across the UK will be getting ready to grab some unbeatable deals and discounts, with £3 billion expected to be spent this year.

However, one industry-leading waste management company is sharing some alarming statistics on the true cost of those Black Friday savings and the negative impact they are having on the environment.

Recent statistics reveal the shocking reality:

• 80% of products purchased during Black Friday end up in landfills, are incinerated, or undergo poor recycling practices.
• Electronic waste is a significant contributor to this issue, with over a quarter (29%) being thrown away.
• This year’s Black Friday will result in 429,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions solely from product deliveries, equivalent to 435 return flights from London to New York.
• The logistics of Black Friday exacerbate the situation. Recent data revealed that returns from Black Friday sales in the US alone used over 1.2 billion gallons of diesel and emitted 12 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.
• UK shoppers spent £4.8 billion during last year’s Black Friday; this is dropping down to an estimated £3 billion this year.

Waste Managed, which offers a full range of waste collection services, has collated practical tips on how Brits can have a sustainable Black Friday:

1. Choose recyclable packaging: Buy products from brands that use eco-friendly packaging.
2. Opt for recyclable products: Select items that can be easily recycled.
3. Donation, donation, donation: Always donate unwanted items or products to charity for someone else to use.
4. Conscious consumerism: Ask yourself, “Do you really need that product?” If you don’t, be more conscious of your purchasing decisions.
5. Find green alternatives: Look for environmentally friendly alternatives to your products.
6. Select in-store pickup: If possible, choose in-store pickup to reduce shipping-related emissions.

Discussing the impact of Black Friday, Damon Smith, CEO at Waste Managed, said, “Similar to the pitfalls of fast fashion, Black Friday encourages mass consumerism, prompting Brits to purchase items solely due to discounted prices, often leading to short-lived product use and inevitable disposal in landfills.”

“At Waste Managed, we understand the dual nature of Black Friday, benefiting businesses and consumers while posing a significant threat to the environment. To strike a balance, everyone needs to take responsibility and reduce the waste generated by Black Friday by making better-informed purchasing decisions.”

“By making conscious choices, both parties can contribute to a Black Friday that benefits everyone without compromising the well-being of our planet.”