Defra to end 'confusing' recycling system with simpler approach
Defra has confirmed plans for a simpler system of recycling which aims to bring to an end the current ‘confusing patchwork of different approaches’ across the UK.
Under a new ‘common-sense approach’ Recycling Minister Robbie Moore hopes to ‘make bin day simpler’ and boost recycling rates in every region.
The updated system will see the same materials collected from workplaces, schools and homes (including flats). It will also reflect local councils’ wishes to avoid cluttered streets by allowing the collection of plastic, metal, glass, paper and card in one single bin; similarly, co-collection of food and garden waste will also be permitted. “This will reduce confusion over what items can be recycled, as people will no longer have to check what their specific council will accept for recycling,” says Defra.
Further, the Government says it will support ‘more frequent and comprehensive’ bin collections; as a minimum backstop councils will be expected to collect black bin waste at least fortnightly and food waste weekly, reducing a build up of ‘smelly waste’ in urban and residential areas.
Paul Vanston, CEO of the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment, comments: “Householders can take this government announcement as a pledge that, wherever we live across the nation, our local councils will all speedily implement recycling collections of the full range of materials that will match on-pack recycling labels citizens rely on for guidance. Those paying the very substantial costs for councils’ local packaging recycling services – especially citizens, brands and retailers – can rightly set high benchmarks of great customer service, superb packaging recycling performance and demonstrable value-for-money being achieved everywhere.”
Victoria Brownlie, chief policy and sustainability officer at the British Beauty Council, welcomes Defra’s attempt to tackle the UK’s ‘appalling’ recycling record, but says there is a pressing need to ‘move away from … plastic that cannot be infinitely recycled’.
By Rosie Greenaway, editor