New research from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has shown that recycling household plastics is as cost effective as it is environmentally friendly.
Results proved that landfill was the least favourable option, with incineration the worst in terms of global warming. This was because more CO2 is emitted from burning plastics than burning gas or coal to produce the same amount of energy.
WRAP CEO Liz Goodwin said: “This is the first time that we have been able to prove that recycling mixed plastics is not only possible, but cost effective and makes good environmental sense. This new research is a first step towards getting that plastic out of the household bin and back in use.”
The study was commissioned to gauge whether it made financial sense to recycle plastic waste, but also to see if ordinary household items could be recycled to make new ones, saving virgin plastics. It included trials of sorting different types of plastics; an analysis of the type of technology needed; an estimate of running costs, and modelling of the financial rate of return; and proved conclusively that in addition to the environmental benefits, recycling can be the cheaper option.
The report comes at the same time as the Local Government Association’s call for retailers to fund council packaging collections. Following an LGA survey showing that up to 38 per cent of packaging produced by supermarkets could not be recycled, the organisation stressed that the days of the “cling film coconut” must come to an end.
However, the British Retail Consortium described the report as ‘simplistic’ and said local authorities would be better off improving recycling collections rather than trying to ‘tap’ hard-pressed retailers for cash.
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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.