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Burger King has removed all plastic toys from its King Junior Meals

In a move that will please environmentalists, burger chain Burger King has announced it is removing all plastic toys from its kids meals in every UK restaurant.

Part of their new Meltdown initiative, all plastic toys previously given out free with King Junior Meals will be removed, and children will be encouraged instead to bring their unwanted toys into restaurants for recycling. Toys donated to the in-store amnesty bins will be transformed into new play areas and restaurant items, such as interactive trays, thanks to Burger King’s partnership with the recycling firm, Pentatonic.

To promote the move, a ‘melting’ oversized plastic toy bunny named ‘Beep Beep’ was installed on London’s Southbank earlier today.

Burger King is currently one of the UK’s biggest toy suppliers and it is predicted the scheme will save 320 tonnes of single-use plastic each year. Katie Evans, Burger King UK marketing director, said: “It is impossible to ignore the growing problem excessive plastic waste is causing and we are glad to be taking action.”

Jamie Hall, Founder & CMO of Pentatonic added, “Project Meltdown is a giant leap for the food and beverage industry in terms of its waste culture. True impact is only achievable through action, not words.”

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What happens to the plastic in your recycling bin?

Elsewhere in fast food, McDonald’s has announced a trial designed to reduce its use of single-use plastics. As of next month, kids who buy a Happy Meal can opt to swap their free toy for a fruit bag, while next year, they may choose a book.

Plastic toys will still be part of the McDonalds’ kids experience however.

“We recognise that some people may not want a plastic Happy Meal toy, but we also know that the gifts provide fun for many families and children,” McDonalds UK and Ireland CEO Paul Pomroy said.

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Read more What happens to the plastic in your recycling bin?