Laura Sharman 19 October 2020

Household recycling 'soared' during pandemic

Some councils saw household recycling soar by 100% during the COVID-19 pandemic, council leaders have revealed.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has reported that eight in 10 councils saw an increase in the amount of recycling being collected since the start of lockdown.

Half of councils said they were collecting up to 20% more recycling than normal, with a third collecting up to 50% more.

The LGA warned this has led to increased costs for councils and the Government should ensure all extra cost pressures on waste and recycling services as a result of the pandemic are met.

It also wants urgent clarity on the Government’s waste and recycling reforms that are due to be implemented from 2023.

Cllr David Renard, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said: ‘The COVID-19 outbreak has interrupted progress of the Government’s waste and recycling reforms, due to be implemented from 2023.

’It is critical for councils to understand how the reforms around consistency, producer responsibility and the deposit return scheme for drinks containers will work together and be funded.’

Photo: Yau Ming Low / Shutterstock.com

#Waste management #Recycling #Coronavirus

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