The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is collecting data from local authorities as it works to produce updated estimates of the total food waste arising from UK households.
Previous estimates have been made for 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015, but WRAP recognises that as consumer habits and collection systems change and waste legislation develops, it is important to maintain and update estimates for the benefit of policy makers and waste officers alike.
The estimates are based on waste composition analyses carried out on behalf of local authorities; the more analyses available for researchers to take into account, the higher the quality of the estimates.
WRAP is also aiming to produce estimates of other materials, including plastics and textiles, as part of the project. If sufficient information is gathered, it may be possible to undertake a full national waste composition analysis.
To support this project, WRAP is looking to obtain as many local authority waste composition analyses conducted between April 2016 and March 2018 as possible. WRAP is asking local authority waste managers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to share studies that have been carried out in their area over that period so that they can be included in the analysis.
If you have questions about the study, or would like to volunteer data that you hold, please contact Mark Roberts at mark.roberts@wrap.org.uk. The deadline for data submissions is Friday 13 July.
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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.