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Consistency of Kerbside Recycling Collections
The Results are in on the Governments Consultation on Consistency of Kerbside Recycling Collections
“We have long been of the opinion that there had to be a top down approach for all our local councils to become unified on how packaging is recycled. Historically, each council was allowed to create their own policies and country wide alignment is needed to drastically improve the recycling rates of soft plastics.
This change (although far away) is welcomed and will create greater opportunities for post consumer and chemical recycling, driving investment in material development.
In the meantime, we offer Environmental Audits to help our customers choose the best alternative for them. New materials are being developed all the time and it is difficult for food manufacturers to be aware of them all and their suitability for their product and packing lines. Materials are already available to meet the criteria and are recyclable as soft plastic in store. If you think we can help please give me a call.”
Dave Daniels, Sales & Technical Director, National Flexible
www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavedaniels/
The Government Consultation Paper Results
Plastic film packaging and plastic bags made of mono-PE, mono-PP and mixed polyolefins PE and PP, including those metallised through vacuum or vapour deposition will be collected kerbside from March 2027 latest. Until then, they are recyclable now through supermarket return schemes.
Back in 2021 the Government opened a consultation to find out what the public thought of their plans to “increase the consistency in materials collected for recycling from households, businesses and other organisations in England. Increasing consistency in recycling would reduce confusion in the materials that can be collected for recycling at kerbside. This would help to make sure that less waste goes to landfill and more is recycled”.
They wanted to know what we thought about:
- materials to be collected as part of the dry recyclable waste streams
- provisions for food and garden waste collections
- possible exemptions from the requirements set out in the consultation
- topics to be included in statutory guidance for local authorities
- transition timelines for local authorities and businesses
Household recycling rates have increased in England from 11% in 2001 to 42% in 2022. But recently it has plateaued. There are over 330 local councils in the UK and each makes their own decisions on recycling and kerbside collections.
The Government wanted to make it easier for people to do the right thing to maximise use, minimise waste and drive up the recycling rates.
The Results
Based on the highest performing councils on recycling rates, the Government are intending to have just 3 waste containers; dry recycling, food waste and non recyclable waste. Households can also choose to have food and garden waste collections.
All councils must collect the same recyclable waste streams to include paper and card, plastic, glass, metal, food waste and garden waste whether that be from households or municipal premises including businesses, schools and hospitals.
This means that people can recycle the same items at home, work or school throughout England. This will be supported by mandatory recycling labelling on packaging which will also be introduced as part of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging. Together these policies will make it easier to know what and what cannot be recycled.
Municipal food waste collections will reduce the amount of food waste ending up in landfill where it releases greenhouse gas. This helps the Government towards the Net Zero strategy target to eliminate biodegradable waste sent to landfill from 2028. When collected separately, food waste can be reprocessed into fertiliser and biogas and used to generate electricity.
Materials for collection in the dry recyclable waste streams
The following materials must be collected in the dry recyclable waste streams, from both households and non-household municipal premises.
Plastic:
- plastic bottles made of PET and recycled PET, polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- pots, tubs and trays made of PET, PP and polyethylene
- PE and PP plastic tubes larger than 50mm x 50mm
- cartons for food, drink and other liquids, including aseptic and chilled cartons
- plastic film packaging and plastic bags made of mono-polyethylene (mono-PE), mono-polypropylene (mono-PP) and mixed polyolefins PE and PP, including those metallised through vacuum or vapour deposition (to be included from 31 March 2027)
Glass:
- glass packaging including bottles and jars
Metal:
- steel and aluminium tins, cans and aerosols
- aluminium foil and food trays
- steel and aluminium jars and bottle lids
- aluminium tubes
Paper and card: All paper and card except:
- paper and card that contains glitter or foil
- paper that is laminated
- stickers and sticky paper
- padded lined envelopes
- paperback and hardback books
- wallpaper
The Government’s strategy seems to be well received around the industry including Environment Agency, INCPEN, OPRL, WRAP, UK Hospitality and Veolia.
It seems a long way away but at least we are starting on the path.
Taken from the Government Consultation Paper