Modern Milkman, a pioneer in sustainable grocery delivery, has launched a new doorstep recycling service for old toys and small electrical products.
Collections will initially start with customers in Harrow, Wellingborough, Warrington and Newcastle before being expanded to everyone in 2026.
Founder and CEO Simon Mellin said Collections was a natural extension of Modern Milkman.
He said: “Seven years ago, we started Modern Milkman because we believed the milk round could be a powerful way to reduce plastic waste – using returnable glass bottles to change small, everyday habits.
“Today, we’re launching Collections: a service that starts with old toys and small electrical products.
“18 months ago, I moved to the US and, while emptying our house, one of the hardest parts was figuring out how to get rid of stuff without just throwing it in the bin.
“Like most households, we had drawers full of old wires, cupboards of unused toys, and bags of things with good intentions but no easy way to pass them on or recycle them properly.
“I’m pretty sure everyone has that drawer. Collections is the natural evolution of the milk round.
“We’ve always collected empties – now we’ll collect what no longer belongs in the home.
“You fill a bag, leave it out with your empties, and we’ll take care of the rest with local recycling partners.
“No trips. No sorting. No guilt – just less clutter at home and a positive impact on the planet.”
Collections will initially start with old toys and small electrical products but there are plans to expand the range of goods to include textiles and clothing, books and media and household items.
The new service works by customers ordering a plastic bag for either old toys or small electrical products online at a cost of £2.50.
According to the company’s website a large wooden milk hut costs £15.
The filled bags are then left out with the empties and responsibly recycled or rehomed with local charities.
Manchester-headquartered Modern Milkman has acquired two US businesses since Mellin relocated Stateside.
Modern Milkman was launched in 2018 after the founders were shocked at how single use plastics were killing animals and chocking the environment in an episode of Sir David Attenborough’s BBC series Blue Planet.
The company has enjoyed exponential growth on the back of their mission to reuse packaging and allow consumers to shop ethically and sustainably.
In 2023 Modern Milkman secured B Corp status.
Modern Milkman UK has raised around £50m in investment, with investors including Insight Partners, Praetura Ventures, ETF Partners and Avery Dennison.
Mellin was included in BusinessCloud’s 2025 Northern Leaders list.