The recycling rate of aluminium beverage cans reached 55 per cent in 2009 – a rise of 4 per cent from the previous year.
However, the UK’s recycling rate is still lower than the European average (over 63 per cent), and lower than that of Germany (96 per cent).
The majority of recycled aluminium cans come from homes, with the rise being attributed to an increase in public awareness, and greater participation in kerbside recycling.
Rick Hindley, executive director of the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (ALUPRO), believes more needs to be done: “We have a long-term ambition to grow our recycling rate further, but this will require significant changes to the recycling infrastructure and the creation of even more effective partnerships with everyone involved in aluminium recycling. Our work shows that with the current infrastructure a 65 percent recycling rate can be achieved by 2020. To go beyond this will require a massive effort and significant infrastructure changes.”
At ALUPRO’s 2010 conference, environmental issues consultant Julia Hales, called on the aluminium sector to set itself a recycling target of 100 per cent.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.