Environmental campaigners have criticised Manchester City for encouraging supporters to dump used plastic bottles in recycling bins - in return for air miles.
The club announced the scheme on its website on March 4 ahead of the Manchester derby, informing fans that 'recycling pods' would be installed at the main entrances to the ground 'in partnership with Etihad Aiways', its main sponsor.
Supporters were urged to use the pods and then scan the adjacent QR code to earn 'Etihad Guest Miles and help make a difference to the planet'. READ MORE: 'I did everything I could for the lad': Tearful bar owner's desperate battle to save stabbing victim The notice continued: "You can turn your Etihad Guest Miles into your next holiday, and we’ll be working with Etihad Airways to turn your plastic bottles into something special in the future.
Watch this space." But environmental groups have slammed the scheme for using recycling to encourage plane travel - per mile flying is said to be far more damaging for the planet than other forms of transport.
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