One of the biggest barriers householders face when dealing with their waste is understanding what items are currently recyclable.
This is according to the recent WRAP Recycling Tracker survey which concluded that lack of knowledge is a key obstacle to recycling. To this end WRAP, through collaboration with industry, have recently published National recycling guidelines detailing what can and cannot be recycled from households.
Some of the highlights include:
- Plastic tops can be kept on bottles
- Envelopes, including those with windows, can be recycled in paper streams
- Pizza boxes should not be included in cardboard recycling as oils cannot be separated during the recycling process
- Drinking glasses and cookware should not be included in recycling as melt temperatures for this type of glass differs from bottles and jars
Improving quantity and quality
The call-to-action from the guidelines is not only focused on addressing end-user confusion however. It also provides guidance for stakeholders throughout the supply chain to play their part in improving quantity and quality of recyclable materials.
In particular, Local Authorities are encouraged to adopt a more focused strategy by targeting communications on low capture materials and reinforcing materials that cannot be recycled. Manufacturers meanwhile, should consider the role they play in the design of packaging to facilitate recycling, whilst waste management companies should consider the improvement of material capture methods.
What part do you have to play in improving national recycling rates? Have a read of the National recycling guidelines and see if your recycling habits can change for the better.
To discuss your waste collection needs you can speak to our collections specialist on 0845 094 2226 or email collections@ecosurety.com.
James Champ
Lead compliance data manager
Following a brief career in the legal industry, James joined the compliance team in August 2012, and since has undertaken a variety of roles in account management and scheme operations.
He now holds the role of Technical manager where he is responsible for ensuring Ecosurety and its members are compliant across the packaging, WEEE and batteries regulations. In addition, he also leads our technical service delivery team who support clients with various data projects and international compliance activities.
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I remember a time when anything prefixed with the word ‘second-hand’ was considered low class.
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