Oxford is the third best UK city for refill stores

Oxford ranks third in the UK for the number of refill shops, with 22 currently listed on Recycle Now’s Refill Locator.

The online tool maps out 675 packaging-free shopping destinations nationwide, helping people reduce single-use packaging.

WRAP’s senior specialist, Lowelle Bryan, said: “We’re starting to see greater movement on reuse across the industry.

“For example, last year nine of the UK’s largest grocery retailers pledged to examine how reusable packaging could be implemented across their stores and online.

“To support these industry efforts, we must also inform citizens about the benefits of reuse, to drive up demand.

“The Recycle Now Refill Locator makes it easy to find your nearest refill store and try this way of shopping.

“You’ll be amazed at the range of goods available and how convenient it can become to become a refill shopper.

“The sector hasn’t had the easiest time of late and by supporting these businesses, and the innovations coming into our larger high street stores, we can help them become permanent fixtures and reduce packaging waste.”

The locator shows 22 refill stores in Oxford, placing it behind London, which has 63, and Bristol, which has 27.

Other leading cities include Brighton and Hove with 21, Gloucester and York each with 19, Bath with 16, and Exeter with 15.

The citizen recycling tracker, published during Recycle Week 2025, showed that 87 per cent of people are interested in online refill shopping, and 89 per cent would try it in-store.

The tracker also found that 42 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds who have not yet tried refill shopping are interested in starting.

Maya Ellis, owner of The Village Refill in Yarnton, Oxfordshire, said: “Refillable household liquids are our most popular product, I think because it’s an easy household switch.

“Especially washing up liquid, everyone needs washing up liquid.

“We also stock tahini on tap, refillable organic and natural make up, milk and milkshakes on tap, loose frozen foods, and make-your-own nut butter in a range of nuts.

“We know refill can be daunting.

“Our advice to somebody starting out with refill is to use up what you have first, then consider swapping for a refillable option.

“We offer friendly, non-judgemental advice in store.

“One refill at a time is something we say a lot.”

Recycle Now is encouraging refill shops to get in touch via WRAP to be added to the Refill Locator.