A protocol has been developed by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) that will allow PRNs to be issued on aluminium packaging recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA).
From 1 January 2015, the protocol will mean that as much as 10,000 tonnes of recovered aluminium could be counted towards the targets set for the recovery of aluminium packaging. This protocol has been acknowledged by the Environment Agency.
The new IBA protocol recognises that a minimum of 50 per cent of the non-ferrous content of IBA is aluminium packaging from drinks cans, foil and aerosols.
With aluminium packaging routinely recovered from IBA and counted towards national targets in Europe, this protocol should give a more accurate report on the recycling performance of aluminium packaging and allow comparison with European nations.
Alupro executive director Rick Hindley said: “Aluminium packaging is already being recovered and recycled from IBA in the UK. The establishment of this protocol is excellent news as it will now mean that this recovered aluminium packaging can count towards national recycling targets.
“We would always prioritise the collection of household aluminium through clean collections systems to ensure maximum value of the material is achieved, but with the growth of energy from waste plants set to increase between now and 2020, it is important that the aluminium content of IBA is counted towards national recycling targets.”
