The UK saw its highest ever recycling rates for aluminium packaging and drinks cans in 2011, the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), confirmed yesterday (18 June).
The UK achieved the single biggest annual increase in recycling rates for aluminium packaging and drinks cans since records began, rising four per cent from 2010 to an overall recycling rate of 45 per cent, according to PRN figures released by Defra earlier this year.
Alupro, which represents metal packaging producers and reprocessors in Britain, confirmed today that based on the industry’s own data, the UK achieved a recycling rate of 60 per cent for drinks cans in 2011 – an increase of more than six per cent from 2010.
Commenting on the news, Alupro Executive Director Rick Hindley, said: “The confirmation that recycling rates for drinks cans as well as aluminium packaging have increased so dramatically is welcome news for the industry. It follows a period of significant activity and investment to boost recycling participation and capture rates for aluminium, and all metal packaging, and reflects an increasing awareness of the economic value of recycling aluminium packaging, and the contribution it can make to the viability of a recycling programme.”
Hindley credited industry funded programmes such as Every Can Counts, Aerofoil and MetalMatters for increasing aluminium cans capture rates away from the home and for “delivering a real shift in consumer behaviour leading to increased capture rates for all materials.”
Hindley went on to add that: “It is vital that local authorities continue to communicate with households and promote their recycling services. Regular, clear communication is essential to reinforce awareness. This will not only increase participation and capture rates, but will bring about long-term behavioural change.”
The news comes as the UK celebrates Recycle Week, a campaign that aims to promote recycling in the home and on the move.
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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.