Government Defends UK’s Ability to Achieve Plastics Recycling Targets
20 September 2012 - Despite strong concerns from within the industry that the plastic recycling targets that have been set are unachievable, the Government has said they are confident of success.
Defra Minister Richard Benyon has explained that in his view, more recycling from the commercial and industrial sectors could provide the key to meeting the UK’s obligations.
He conceded however that the proportion of rigid mixed plastic pots, tubs and trays collected for recycling would have to more than double if the targets are to be met.
When questioned as to what plans Defra have put in place to ensure that councils are collecting enough material over the next five years, Mr Benyon said that the onus is on packaging producers to ensure that enough material is collected. He also reiterated that the commercial and industrial sectors are likely to contribute a large amount of material to achieve the UK’s recycling goal.
The Government’s plastics packaging recycling targets, issued in December 2011, will see a rise from 32% at present to 57% by 2017.
Nevertheless, many plastics recyclers have speculated that the UK may not be well equipped enough to meet these targets.