AB, sensitive to environmental issues has developed a series of initiatives aimed to protecting the environment. In the past years, the company has worked continuously and consistently on protecting the environment and the impressive numbers of our Recycling Centres can prove it. During the last four years (January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2008), 9,926,695 product items were recycled, or the equivalent of 5,955,272 kilos of product packaging.
Specifically for 2009, AB's primary environmental objective is the continued development and operation of the 38 existing recycling centres. Another objective is the sponsorship of the first Integrated Mobile Recycling Center, a pioneering effort in the Retailing sector.
The Mobile Recycling Centre will tour 18 cities of Greece in order to inform citizens on concrete actions that can be taken to reduce waste.
The Mobile Recycling Centre will be placed on the AB stores parking and will operate 24 hours/day. During the morning (10:00-14:00) trained staff will inform the public and answer questions on how the centre works and about the benefits of recycling in general. First stop, Komotini, where it will remain till February 2. Next stops Drama, Serres, Katerini, Veria, Ptolemais, Florina, Ioannina, Arta, Aigio, Pyrgos, Sparta, Argos, Corinthos, Thebes, Lamia, Heraklion and Chania (December 3-24, 2009).
Recycled metal, plastic and glass product packaging are refunded and mobile phones and batteries are also recycled. The refund can either be redeemed or donated to a Greek charity organisation for children named "To Hamogelo tou Paidiou". In return, for each package recycled during the year in these 18 cities, AB will contribute a significant amount to the Hellenic Cancer Society for medical equipment.