Bakers Basco calls on festivals & outdoor events to keep equipment out of landfill

Following a successful 3-year national awareness campaign that saw bread delivery equipment recoveries rise by 24% at outdoor events, Crimestoppers partner Bakers Basco is again urging festival and outdoor event organisers across the UK to remain vigilant this summer as the push to recover reusable equipment from event sites enters its next phase.

 With the support of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) and organisers from across the outdoor events industry , Bakers Basco has recovered almost 50,000 baskets and dollies from outdoor venues since the campaign began in 2022. But the company warns that equipment is still being wrongly used, abandoned or sent to landfill, especially during the peak summer season.

Paul Empson, general manager at Bakers Basco

“Thanks to the continued support from the festival community, we’ve seen a real shift in awareness and recovery - but we’re not finished yet.

“As more events roll out across the UK, we need organisers, caterers and contractors to keep their eyes open and report anything that doesn’t belong on-site.”

Bakers Basco also partners with Crimestoppers to help report serious cases of theft or illegal disposal anonymously. If you’re at an event site and you spot any Bakers Basco equipment, you can report it via the Helpline on 08000 327323, or email enquiries@bakersbasco.co.uk.

Often mistakenly used by event caterers and organisers to store or display goods, Bakers Basco continues to spread the word that baskets and dollies are not for public use – they are part of a managed pool used exclusively for bread distribution, made to last hundreds of trips in a circular supply chain. When diverted, the consequences are environmental as well as financial: more plastic must be remanufactured, adding unnecessary emissions and waste.

To tackle the issue, Bakers Basco’s latest campaign includes a new poster rollout across outdoor venues, reminding organisers that every recovered basket is a win for the environment. A large quantity of this equipment is now GPS-tracked and embedded with identifiable markers, ensuring traceability even after illegal recycling attempts.

John Rostron, CEO of the AIF, added: “This initiative shows what’s possible when the events community works together for sustainability. Let’s continue the momentum, not just for compliance but because it’s the right thing to do.”

The Bakers Basco team continues to increase recovery site visits and offers free collection for any organisers who find their equipment on-site – no questions asked. Call the Helpline on 08000 327323, or email enquiries@bakersbasco.co.uk.

17 June 2025