A framework launched by WRAP hopes to bring consistency to recycling in England meaning each home recycles the same core materials by 2025.
The Framework for Greater Consistency in Household Recycling for England has been developed by an advisory group of representatives with the support of Defra and DCLG.
According to WRAP, it offers the opportunity to increase recycling, improve the quality of recycled materials and offer a comprehensive service to householders.
Drawing on local authority and industry good practice, cumulative benefits over an eight year period include:
- · Up to 11 million tonnes of extra recyclable material diverted from disposal, including more than 8 million tonnes of food waste
- · Avoidance of around 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere
- · An increase to England’s recycling rate by seven percentage points.
According to WRAP, central to the framework is collaborative action to address recycling barriers at three key stages by: increasing the recyclability of packaging, reducing consumer confusion over what can and can’t be recycled and working with local authorities to collect more of the core materials in one of three ways. This will be supported by widespread communications with householders using the same message.
WRAP chief executive and chair of the advisory group Marcus Gover (pictured) said: “As an industry we have achieved so much in the last 15 years. A thriving recycling industry has been created and recycling is now a way of life.
“When Defra asked us to investigate the opportunities for greater consistency, we were delighted to lead this, and to work with representatives from each stage of the recycling supply chain. By pooling the wealth of recycling experience from across the sectors, we have developed a vision that offers the opportunity to increase recycling, improve the quality of recycled materials, save money and offer a good service to householders. It is only by joining together that we can now realise the benefits of the vision and I look forward to working with all those involved to do that.”
