A targeted employee is sparking debate after sharing a behind-the-scenes look at a controversial store policy: ‘Are you for real?’

Sometimes stores have to throw away products. They may be damaged in transit, they may be returned unsalable, or they may be perishable items that expire before they are sold. But sometimes stores take it to extremes, like one did, throwing away the toy with a slightly damaged box.

what is happening

This example is from a Reddit post on r/Target. The original poster claimed it was an employee who took the photo at work.

“So what, target? You really?” asked the original poster. “Let it rot in the ground? Seriously? It’s plastic; that’s so much pollution and waste for something that could be donated and put a smile on the face of a young child who may not have anything else.”

The photo shows a Barbie doll with mermaid and unicorn accessories. The toys are in a clear plastic box with slightly creased edges, but the toy has no visible damage and no parts are missing.

Why is the Barbie doll important?

According to a Redditor, this toy was headed for the landfill. Although a single toy will not contribute to the total amount of waste thrown away, this policy – all damaged boxes are thrown away – is a major source of waste. The more items sent to the landfill, the more space this slowly decomposing plastic takes up, which will stay there for a hundred years or more.

At the same time, as the original poster stated, the actual toy was in perfect condition and could mean a lot to a child in need.

Is Target doing anything about it?

Other people talked about how they try to prevent similar situations.

“I throw such things in donation bin every time. Why waste something that someone can enjoy?” said one user.

Meanwhile, Target claims to work on the waste problem and reported that in 2023 it will divert 85% of operational waste from landfills.

Should grocery stores donate expired products?

Yes – if it’s not bad

Yes — but only certain products

Only if it doesn’t cost the store

No – this can lead to problems

Click on your choice to see the results and express your opinion

What is done with plastic waste in general?

If you want to keep perfectly good things out of landfills by refusing to support wasteful corporations—not to mention save money at the same time – then it is necessary shop secondhand. Buying cheap goods reduces the demand for new ones and helps give new life to things that would otherwise be thrown away.

You can also get rid of plastic by searching plastic-free alternatives to most products.

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