Pet Retail Franchises are Leading the Pack this Earth Day with Commitment to Embracing ‘Sustainable Pawprints’
LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States, and Wag N’ Wash, the emerging self-wash, grooming and natural pet food franchise, celebrate a recycling milestone in light of Earth Day. Since announcing a commitment to sustainability in October 2023, the brands have collected and recycled three and a half tons of pet product packaging waste through a partnership with TerraCycle, the international leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials. The launch of the partnership marked another milestone as Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash were the first pet retailers to join forces with TerraCycle, with recycling stations launching in retail locations across the country.
The pet industry produces 300 million pounds of plastic waste yearly, and 99% of all pet food packaging is thrown away rather than recycled, impacting various ecosystems. When it comes to pet product packaging waste, it’s vital that pet parents are educated on whether the packaging belongs in the recycling bin or the trash can, or if it’s contaminated and will be rejected by recycling facilities. To prevent further harm to the environment, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash remain committed to sustainability and educating neighbors on responsible waste management.
Now with in-store recycling programs that offer a free and convenient solution to give pet food, treat and litter bags a second life, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash enable neighbors to practice sustainable habits. Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash stores nationwide have collection bins where neighbors can drop off empty flexible plastic pet food, treat and litter bags from any brand for any species of pet. All collected waste is sent to TerraCycle to be cleaned, separated by material type and recycled into raw formats that manufacturers use to make new products.
“Most pet food and treat bags are not accepted by curbside recycling services due to their complex, multilayer packaging, which is often too expensive for local recycling facilities to process,” said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle Founder and CEO. “As the first major pet retailers in the United States to offer a free recycling program for all brands of pet food packaging, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are setting a great example for the rest of the pet retail industry.”
The in-store recycling program was created to educate neighbors while making an impact on reducing plastic waste. Pet parents can learn more about which products can be recycled on the Pet Supplies Plus and the Wag N’ Wash websites.
“We are blown away by how many neighbors came into our stores and contributed to saving three and a half tons of plastic from being poured into landfills over the past six months,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “The partnership with TerraCycle is our commitment to reducing waste so that our neighbors and pets can all live in a better world.”
Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods and a variety of US-made pet consumables, including food, treats, rawhide and chews. Every store is set in welcoming neighborhood environments and supported by team members who get to know their neighbors and pets by name. Full-service grooming, self-serve pet wash stations and fresh bakery treats are also available in-store at many locations. Furthermore, neighbors can fill prescriptions online and receive home delivery for quality medications and specialty diets. Whether shopping in-store or online, choosing local is easy. For more information, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
Each Wag N’ Wash location offers both a self-serve pet wash station and full-service grooming salon. In the self-serve pet wash area, neighbors are met with a self-wash attendant who provides aprons, towels, dry brushes, wet scrub brushes, shampoo, conditioner, and cologne spray. In the full-service grooming salon, neighbors work with our top-tier, professional groomers to provide full-service grooming, including nail trims, ear cleanings, and more. With services being a primary part of the business, each Wag N’ Wash also offers a variety of dog and cat products such as supplements, pet food, collars and leashes, toys, supplies and other unique goods. For more information, visit www.wagnwash.com.
About Pet Supplies Plus:
Your neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends. Its shelves are stocked with the right products, including a wide selection of natural and made in the USA products. Easily find all their favorites at prices you love, whether you shop in store or online using free curbside pickup, same-day delivery or Autoship. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, pet prescriptions can be filled online and delivered directly to your door. As the nation’s largest pet retail franchise with more than 720 locations in 42 states and counting, Pet Supplies Plus makes shopping local simple. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
About Wag N’ Wash
Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, a full-line dog grooming and self-wash specialty retail destination, has a mission to recognize, promote and foster the positive impact that companion pets and their humans have on each other. Wag N’ Wash provides full-service grooming, self-wash facilities, baked dog treats, natural food, supplements, and toys. In 2020, Wag N’ Wash was ranked on Denver Business Journal’s Colorado-Based Franchisors List, Franchise Times Top 200+ List and Included on Franchise Gator’s Top 100 Franchisees List for the third year. Today, there are 25 Wag N’ Wash locations open across the nation. To learn more about Wag N’ Wash, please visit https://www.wagnwashfranchising.com/.
About TerraCycle
TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Across 21 countries, TerraCycle is on a mission to rethink waste and develop practical solutions for today’s complex waste challenges. The company engages an expansive multi-stakeholder community across a wide range of accessible programs, from Fortune 500 companies to schools and individuals. To learn more about TerraCycle and join them on their journey to move the world from a linear economy to a circular one, please visit www.terracycle.com.
SOURCE Pet Supplies Plus