LIVONIA, MICH. — Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash announced Oct. 11 a historic partnership with TerraCycle. The two stores, both owned by parent company PSP Group, LLC, have become the first pet retailers to partner with the international sustainability solutions provider.

Through the partnership, PSP Group has installed recycling stations at select Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash stores across the United States. Pet owners can return empty flexible packages to their local store to be collected and recycled.

“With the launch of this sustainable initiative, pet parents can help reduce the impact of plastic packaging waste in their own communities by responsibly recycling empty pet food and treat bags,” said Tom Szaky, chief executive officer and founder of TerraCycle. “This innovative collaboration between Pet Supplies Plus, Wag N’ Wash and TerraCycle helps pave the way for a greener future with pets, people and the planet in mind.”

According to data from Statista, not even 20% of global waste is recycled annually, and the pet food and treat industry is a significant contributor to this waste. Every year used pet food and treat packages are estimated to contribute 300 million lbs of plastic to the global waste system, according to the Pet Sustainability Coalition. Most of these packages prove difficult to recycle or are not recyclable at all, and 99% are thought to wind up in landfills or oceans.

To combat this waste problem, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash hope to encourage pet owners to recycle used pet food and treat bags through their in-store recycling program. TerraCycle will pick up, clean and sort materials collected at each bin, and materials will then be repurposed into new recycled products.

“We take pride in offering our neighbors a simple and convenient solution to aid in keeping our planet waste-free,” said Chris Rowland, chief executive officer of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “The partnership with TerraCycle is a natural progression as our brands continue to meet the needs of our neighbors and do our part to reduce waste.”

Read more about recycling efforts across the industry.