BIR Updates on Impacts of Covid-19 on Global Recycling Sector

Though China announced relaxations in several cities by mid-April this year, the second wave of coronavirus has impacted trade.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has provided latest update on the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic on recycling companies across the world during recent weeks.

Majority of recycling operations in Canada continued to remain open, though at reduced capacities. The recycling volumes remained subdued. Meantime, efforts are still on to force Brazilian government to declare recycling as an essential activity so as to ensure services without disruption.

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Though China announced relaxations in several cities by mid-April this year, the second wave of coronavirus has impacted trade. The other countries in the Southeast Asian region including Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines are expected to announce relaxation to restrictions in the forthcoming weeks. The plastics recycling sector in China and Southeast Asia seems to be impacted by poor sentiment and uncertain economic outlook. The logistics network in India continues to be impacted due to extended lockdowns.

As per BIR estimates, nearly 73% of recycling centres in France are open for business. The metal recycling operations in Italy have resumed. Although some recyclers have resumed normal operations, the scrap flow has witnessed sharp decline by more than 20% in the Middle East region. The ongoing lockdown measures are seen impacting U.K recycling sector operations.

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