Mark Whitehead 29 March 2023

‘Postcode lottery’ undermines plastic recycling

‘Postcode lottery’ undermines plastic recycling image
Image: S.SUPHON/Shutterstock.com

People are being put off recycling their plastic waste because of the complexity of messaging on packaging and varying systems in different places, according to a new report.

The UK’s recycling system needs a major overhaul to tackle the problem of plastic waste, the report by The University of Manchester and more than 25 industry partners says.

The three-year £1.5m project concluded that a lack of consistency in plastic packaging and messaging around recycling practice is causing confusion among consumers and leading to low recycling rates.

The latest annual figures show less than half of plastic waste generated in the UK is recycled, and this is made worse by differences in recycling practice between different local authorities.

The report says there is a ‘postcode lottery’ of 39 differing bin regimes across the UK, and 3,500 waste recycling plants with varying capabilities in infrastructure.

The project trialled a ‘one bin’ system in which households put all plastic waste into a single bin instead of sorting it into different receptacles.

The report’s lead author Dr Helen Holmes said: ‘Our research shows that there exists a strong desire amongst most consumers to recycle properly – yet they are limited by a combination of unclear messaging and the complexity of the system.

‘Compounding this, it is a postcode lottery as to what sorts of packaging can or cannot be recycled in a specific area, with capability and capacity varying at waste processing plants across the country.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Enhanced Senior Social Worker

Wakefield Council
Grade 10 - Grade 11, 37 hours, Permanent
We are seeking Social Workers to join our superb Locality Services. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Educational Psychologist

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£51,893 - £61,664
The Royal Greenwich Educational Psychology & Wellbeing Service (EP&WS) has recently expanded Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Supporting Solutions Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 12 £42,708 - £46,731
Countywide Services are looking to appoint a Team Leader in the Supporting Solutions Service. We are expanding our team and are looking for a Team Lea Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner