RECOUP Survey Highlights Mounting Challenges to Plastic Packaging Collection

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): In its recently released annual UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection Survey, RECOUP—the UK's preeminent independent authority and reliable voice on plastics resource efficiency and recycling—highlighted the enormous obstacles that plastic packaging collection faces.

The report cited incremental improvements across the board for kerbside service provision for plastic packaging. Another 39 local authorities need to collect plastic pots, tubs and trays and 312 for plastic films and flexibles by the March 2027deadline, which is just two years away.

The region's average material rejection rate, as reported by the 2024 Survey, was 14%, highlighting the growing need to inform locals about risks like pollution. It is the responsibility of the authorities to guarantee that residents have access to efficient communication. Both the terminology used and the instructions given must be consistent throughout the United Kingdom. It mentioned the disparities in how different authorities handle plastic bottle lids.

The implementation of efficient packaging EPR and Deposit Return Schemes, along with clear and uniform national communications messaging to stakeholders, are crucial, according to Steve Morgan, Head of Policy & Infrastructure at RECOUP.

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