European Union exports of recyclable raw materials, including waste, scrap and other byproducts, hit a ‘record high’ of 40.6 million tonnes last year, the bloc's statistics office revealed on Tuesday (10 May).
Data from Eurostat showed the exports to non-EU countries, almost half of them ferrous metals such as iron and steel, were up 2.0 million tonnes from 2020, and up 80 per cent compared to 2004. The figures presented by Eurostat show that in 2021, exports of ferrous metals from the EU amounted to 19.5 million tonnes, accounting for almost half (48 per cent) of all recyclable raw materials exports.
EU imports of recyclable raw materials, consisting mostly of organic products such as wood, paper and textiles made with natural fibres, reached 46.8 million tonnes in 2021, up 7 per cent from 2004 levels with an additional 3.2 million tonnes. Eurostat states that this is an increase of almost 2.4 million tonnes compared with 2020.
According to Eurostat, exports of recyclable raw materials from the EU to non-EU countries, including recyclable waste and scrap as well as secondary raw materials or ‘by-products’, came to 40.6 million tonnes, 2.0 million tonnes more than in 2020. The statistics office stated that it observed ‘an upward trend in the volume of these exports since 2004, reaching a new peak in 2021, with an 80 per cent increase compared with 2004.’
Last year, Eurostat showed Turkey to be the EU's top and largest destination for EU exports of recyclable raw materials, amounting to 15.2 million tonnes. This was followed by Britain, India and Egypt.
In terms of leading sources of imports of raw materials in 2021, Eurostat recorded that Argentina and Brazil were the predominant destinations were its leading sources, with Argentina at 7.9 million tonnes and Brazil at 7.6 million tonnes.
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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.