Photo: Plastic bottles and other garbage washed up on a beach in the county of cork, Ireland. Credit: Science Photo Library, (CC BY-NC)

Poorly managed waste is destroying our environment. We know that most consumers want to do their bit for the environment but find it difficult and complex to recycle.

Each local council across the country has its own waste management system. The clarity and consistency of information and the levels of service provided by local councils can be hugely variable.

Some councils don't offer glass recycling at all for example. Others don't offer composting. Some don't share enough information on the types of plastic (1-7) that can be recycled. This lack of consistency means less of our waste is recycled. 

In 2021, the government unveiled plans to boost recycling streams from 2023 but we are yet to see these changes in practice.

What are we asking the government to do?

1. Update on nationalising waste streams so the same level of service is offered in all areas in the UK including:

• Recycling: Mixed paper, cardboard, metal, glass, plastic
• Industrial compost
• Home compost
• Garden waste
• Non-recyclable waste

2. Update on creation of simple recycling instructions that match the labeling mandated on packaging and products

3. Go further by collaborating with companies like Terracycle to make ALL offered hard-to-recycle materials easier to deposit and recycle nationally

4. Managing all waste from the UK within the UK

This benefits everyone:

This helps the government move closer to their own Environment Plan commitment to eliminate avoidable waste by 2050.

The Consumer finds it easier to recycle their waste and do their part for the environment. Clearer, consistent implementation will increase compliance and participation by households.

Waste management companies will find greater uptake and less errors in the use of recycling streams, thus reducing operating costs whilst helping to minimise the remaining non-recyclable waste.

Most importantly, all of these also benefit our environment!