Bakers Basco has revealed that more than 20,000 reusable bread baskets and dollies were recovered during the 2025 outdoor events season, highlighting the ongoing challenge of equipment losses across festivals, markets, and catering operations.
The not-for-profit organisation, established by leading UK bakeries, manages a shared pool of reusable bread baskets and dollies used to transport bakery products throughout the supply chain. Designed to support a circular economy, the equipment is built for long-term use and can complete hundreds of trips before requiring replacement.
However, the organisation reports that thousands of these valuable assets continue to disappear each year during the busy outdoor events season. Equipment is frequently removed from the supply chain, repurposed by traders and caterers, or used for storage and display purposes at events. In many cases, the items are eventually discarded, contributing to unnecessary waste and environmental damage.
More Than 20,000 Items Recovered
According to the latest recovery figures, Bakers Basco successfully recovered 18,438 baskets and 1,690 dollies from event-related locations over the past year, bringing the total number of recovered items to more than 20,000.
The largest number of recoveries came from markets and wholesale markets, where approximately 8,700 items were found. Caterers accounted for a further 4,300 recovered items, while additional equipment was recovered from major outdoor events and venues across the UK.
Among the notable recoveries were 687 items from the Glastonbury Festival and 412 items from horse racing events, demonstrating the widespread nature of the issue across the events industry.
Environmental and Financial Costs
Bakers Basco warns that every item removed from circulation creates both environmental and financial consequences. The organisation stresses that reusable equipment is specifically designed to reduce waste and support sustainable supply chain operations.
Stacey Brown, National Investigations Manager at Bakers Basco, said that the loss of equipment undermines the environmental benefits of the company’s circular reuse model.
“Each of these baskets and dollies is built to last for years and complete hundreds of trips within the supply chain. When they are taken out of circulation or sent to landfill, it creates unnecessary waste and forces the production of replacement equipment. That has a direct environmental and financial cost,” Brown explained.
The need to manufacture replacement equipment increases resource consumption, energy use, and operational costs, making equipment recovery an important sustainability priority for the bakery and events sectors alike.
Challenges Continue During Peak Event Season
Despite ongoing awareness initiatives and recovery efforts, Bakers Basco says the problem remains persistent, particularly during the summer months when outdoor festivals, sporting events, food markets, and temporary catering operations are at their busiest.
The organisation believes that growing demand for temporary equipment often leads to the misuse of reusable bakery assets, resulting in significant losses throughout the season.
In addition to the recoveries from markets, caterers, and major events, a further 578 items were recovered from other outdoor event locations during the year.
Industry-Wide Responsibility Needed
As preparations begin for the 2026 outdoor events season, Bakers Basco is urging festival organisers, event suppliers, caterers, traders, and venue operators to take greater responsibility for reusable equipment and help prevent further losses.
The organisation continues to offer a free collection service for its baskets and dollies and encourages businesses to report any suspected misuse or unauthorised possession of Bakers Basco equipment.
Brown emphasised that the equipment is not intended for general-purpose use and should remain within the bakery supply chain.
“These items are not disposable and they are not designed for general use. They play a vital role in a circular economy, and keeping them within that system is essential to reducing waste. Greater awareness and accountability across the industry will help ensure they are reused as intended rather than lost or discarded,” she said.
Focus on Sustainability for 2026
With thousands of reusable assets still being recovered annually, Bakers Basco is calling on the events industry to strengthen sustainability practices and improve equipment management ahead of the 2026 season.
By increasing awareness, improving accountability, and ensuring reusable equipment remains within its intended supply chain, the organisation believes significant environmental and economic benefits can be achieved while reducing unnecessary waste across the UK’s thriving outdoor events sector.
