Report finds UK recycling rate slowing

The paper and paper recycling company DS Smith, based in the United Kingdom, is applauding a report that calls for significant steps to boost recycling throughout England while reducing the dependence on incineration as a disposal method. The report was released by England’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee on waste management.

According to the report, between 2012 and 2013 about 43 percent of household waste was recycled in England, but the annual rate has started to slow. In light of the slowdown, the report’s authors express concern that without significant government intervention the country will not be able to meet the European requirement for the U.K. to recycle at least 50 percent of its household waste by 2020.

Adding to the concern, EFRA says, is the fact that the European Commission is proposing to increase the household recycling target to 70 percent by 2030.

Given the country’s current performance, meeting higher household recycling targets in England would be challenging, but the report’s authors suggest that DEFRA (Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs) should take a lead role in devising policies and procedures to boost recycling rates at the maximum feasible level (with or without European targets).

While there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to address this challenge, EFRA says DEFRA has the scope to facilitate and encourage local authorities to learn from best practices to gravitate toward providing the best possible recycling services in their areas.

In remarks following the release of the report, Mathew Prosser, the European commercial director for the recycling division of DS Smith, says, “There is a real need to ensure only genuine residual waste is sent for incineration. Our current experience is that while materials are being diverted from landfill, many are being sent for energy recovery because of its poor quality.”

DS Smith provides corrugated packaging in 25 countries, primarily in Europe. Additionally, the company operates 11 recycling facilities in the U.K. and owns and operates recycling operations in France, Italy, Germany, Benelux countries, Poland and the Czech Republic.

“Collecting materials through a source-segregated system will ensure the best value can be generated and resources kept within the economy for as long as possible,” Prosser continues. “It is too easy to burn this material rather than follow the principles of the waste hierarchy.”

The report’s authors suggest that DEFRA should work alongside WRAP (http://www.wrap.org.uk) (Waste & Resources Action Program) and industry to develop a comprehensive plan to be implemented in the event that England's recycling rate continues to slow. “We recommend that DEFRA learns from successful approaches in countries such as Wales and ministers consider introducing refreshed policies and reintroducing requirements such as statutory recycling targets for local authorities alongside the requisite funding support,” the report notes.

Prosser says, “Consistent, concise communications are required to remind people of what can go in the recycling bin and what still goes in the residual bin. We have seen in some parts of the country that there is little difference in bags collected for recycling and those collected as residual waste when it comes to the processing stage.

“We, therefore, welcome the committee’s recommendation that DEFRA considers the compulsory publication of an annual Register of End Destination of Recyclates by all those involved in the recycling chain to improve access to information and public confidence,” he adds.

 “We suggest the timescale for any ban should reflect the work that needs to be undertaken and should be introduced only after a well thought out route map has been developed,” Prosser says. “The process should be carried out in stages through a defined step change ensuring regulations are complied to.”

To view the report click here.