The collection rate for rigid plastic packaging from UK households has increased to 44% this year, compared with 37% in 2014, thanks to increased recycling of plastic pots, tubs and trays, according to plastics waste management and recycling specialist Recoup (Peterborough / UK; www.recoup.org). In its latest survey, it said the collection rate for pots, tubs and trays rose from 21% to 30%, but the collection rate for plastic bottles declined from 58% to 57%. The survey data was gathered from UK local authorities and waste management companies. (For 2014 survey results, see Plasteurope.com of 09.01.2015.)

The collection rate for plastic bottles decreased, despite a 3.5% rise in collection to 11,500 t, because of the increase in plastic bottles placed on the market, Recoup said in the “2015 UK household plastics collection survey”. The collection of plastic pots, tubs and trays rose by 12% to 16,700 t, and plastic pots, tubs and trays now make up 30% of total collections of rigid plastic packaging from UK households. This compares with collection rates for plastic pots, tubs and trays of approximately 20% in 2011 and 2013 (see also Plasteurope.com of 19.12.2013).

Steve Morgan of Recoup said: “With the overall recycling rate for rigid plastic packaging at 44% there is too much material that is not collected for recycling. This lost material highlights again the importance of communicating regularly and effectively with consumers.” There are significant costs resulting from this lost material, Recoup said. Disposal costs for the plastic bottles not collected for recycling are estimated at GBP 25m (EUR 33.7m), and costs for the disposal of pots, tubs and trays are estimated at between GBP 37m and GBP 53m.

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Recoup's “2015 UK household plastics collection survey” as a PDF file