Local authority (LA) collection of aluminium foil and aerosols has grown rapidly in recent years, according to new data released by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), which works on behalf of members from across the aluminium supply chain to fulfil the industry’s obligation to recycle aluminium packaging.
Over the past three years, the proportion of councils collecting aerosols has increased from 87 per cent to 96 per cent, while foil has seen a dramatic increase in the last eight years, going from being collected by 35 per cent of councils in 2007 to 86 per cent today.
The new data means that foil will likely be upgraded to ‘Widely Recycled’ in the 2016 update for the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL). The OPRL is a labelling system used by over 500 brands to provide consumers with clear information on a product or its package’s recyclability.
Once 75 per cent of LAs collect a material at the kerbside, it is eligible to move from ‘Widely Recycled at Recycling Points: Check Locally for Kerbside’, aluminium foil’s current designation, to ‘Widely Recycled’ status. This, Alupro suggests, makes it easier for consumers to act decisively with the product.
According to Alupro, the average household uses 27 aerosols, 280 foil containers and 144 metres of aluminium foil a year. Alupro’s industry-funded MetalMatters campaign, which this year reached over 500,000 homes with partnerships with 10 LAs, seeks to increase household recycling of metal packaging through focused communications.
Dispelling myths about recycling metals
Rick Hindley, Executive Director of Alupro, has welcomed the increased numbers, but says that work must be done to keep the momentum of aluminium recycling.
He said: “We have worked with councils and their service providers to dispel some of the myths about these materials being ‘difficult’ to recycle. We’re delighted to see how well councils have responded to this clear messaging, which has enabled more aluminium packaging to be recycled than ever before.
“Alupro’s work has proven time and again that regular, clear communication from local authorities on the importance and benefits of recycling is essential. It not only increases participation and capture rates, but contributes towards long-term positive behaviour change.”
Christmas recycling
Alupro has added to its range of resources to help LAs encourage residents to recycle aluminium packaging over Christmas.
Stocking-filler aerosol cans containing hair mousse and deodorant, bottle tops from wine and spirit bottles, and foil trays of festive food, mince pie cases and wrapping from chocolate can all be recycled. According to Alupro, an extra 500 million aluminium drinks cans are sold over the Christmas period.
As well as a short video (below), Alupro has released a selection of communications materials putting recyclable cans and foil in a festive setting.
Hindley said: “It’s surprising how many of our festive treats come packaged in aluminium. From oven-ready turkeys in aluminium trays to party food, and of course there’s the 175 million mince pies we’ll be munching our way through. Since aluminium can be endlessly recycled, it can be remade into a vast range of products, and back on our shelves within a few weeks.”
More information on aluminium recycling can be found at Alupro’s website.
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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?
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