Target installs wide array of recycling bins in all stores

Target Corp. this week claimed to be the first national chain to install four-bin recycling stations by the checkout lanes in all 1,740 stores.

While supermarkets often provide some recycling in bins typically kept outside, Target accepts aluminum, glass, plastic PET bottles and bags, plus harder-to-ditch small electronics like cell phones, batteries, ink cartridges and MP3 Players. Target hopes to break even collecting and reselling an expected 3,000 tons the first year by extending access to customers of the internal recycling operation that already exists backstage in its stores.

"It's a smart move," said Karen Barnes, director of insights at Shelton Group, a research firm that says 64 percent of shoppers look for eco-friendly products, up from 60 percent last year. Recycling is the No. 1 signal customers use to identify a "green company" at a time when retailers are trying to head off plastic shopping bag bans imposed by government.

Target, which offers a nickel per bag discount to shoppers who bring their own, promises an unusual Earth Day newspaper ad April 18. Printed on heavy paper, the insert folds into an envelope. Mail it in stuffed with five disposable shopping bags for a $1 coupon on a $1.49 reusable Target tote.