A recent study has revealed that UK households disposed of 5.6 million tonnes of packaging waste in the past year.
The analysis, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA), County Councils Network (CCN), and District Councils Network (DCN), sheds light on the recycling habits of households and the urgent need for reform.
Recycling efforts revealed
According to the study, approximately 3.2 million tonnes of packaging were successfully placed in recycling bins. However, a significant portion, 2.3 million tonnes, ended up in residual or “black” bins, indicating a failure to recycle effectively.
Alarmingly, around 70,000 tonnes of packaging waste were mistakenly disposed of in food waste bins. This misplacement highlights the challenges households face in correctly sorting their waste.
Call for government reform
As the issue of packaging waste continues to grow, councils are advocating for new reforms aimed at reducing excess packaging and enhancing recycling processes.
Local authorities are urging the UK Government to prioritise strategies that minimise unnecessary waste creation and increase the recyclability of packaging materials.
The LGA has expressed concern regarding the recent decision to reduce fees associated with the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR). They argue that the packaging industry should cover the costs incurred by local councils, as these fees are currently deemed inadequate.
The North London Waste Authority has also cautioned that the revised base fees for EPR are “too low,” which may further strain local council finances.
Public sentiment on packaging waste
Polling conducted by YouGov for the LGA revealed that 48% of the public believes companies responsible for producing packaging should bear the costs of waste reduction.
In contrast, only 4% of respondents felt that local authorities should shoulder this financial burden. A significant 85% of those surveyed supported the idea that companies should be mandated by the government to decrease the amount of packaging used.
Councils are also advocating for clearer labelling on packaging to assist households in disposing of their waste correctly. Earlier this year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced a delay in implementing mandatory packaging labelling as part of pEPR.
However, Defra indicated that mandatory labelling is expected to be introduced in 2025.
Cllr Adam Hug, Environment spokesperson for the LGA, stated, “Good packaging is essential for keeping products fresh and intact, and producers are doing more to reduce waste and support recycling.
However, it is crucial that the costs are met, that councils continue to lead local waste and recycling services, and that the focus is on reducing unnecessary waste in the first place.”
As discussions around packaging waste reform continue, the findings of this study emphasise the need for collaborative efforts between government, producers, and local councils to address this pressing issue effectively.
