Following a successful 3-year national awareness campaign that saw bread delivery equipment recoveries rise by 24% at outdoor events, 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.
“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,” said Paul Empson, general manager at Bakers Basco. “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.”
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. The organisation also partners with Crimestoppers to help report serious cases of theft or illegal disposal anonymously.
If you spot any Bakers Basco equipment at your event site, report it via:
📞 Helpline: 08000 327323
📧 Email: enquiries@bakersbasco.co.uk
Let’s work together to make 2025 another record-breaking year for recovery and reuse.
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Author: Adam Parry
Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.
