New figures show increase in aluminium recycling

Wednesday, November 4, 2015 - 12:21:23

The recycling of aluminium is on the rise in the UK, according to the latest figures published by the Environment Agency. However, the quarterly increase registered in the past three months may have more to do with a realignment of how rates of recycling are calculated than a straightforward boost to sustainable waste handling, according to Resource.

In Q3 of 2015, analysis revealed that over 23,000 tonnes of aluminium were recycled, following attempts earlier in the year to redress issues with the way in which data on this type of recycling was recorded.calculated than a straightforward boost to sustainable waste handling, according to Resource.

The issue with previous figures showing slow growth in aluminium recycling arose from the fact that data was only being gleaned for accredited processing organisations, whereas in fact, there were many more companies involved. The convoluted nature of the accreditation process was criticised and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) was prompted to take action to address this.calculated than a straightforward boost to sustainable waste handling, according to Resource.

The upshot of this is that not only are higher aluminium recycling rates being reported, accurately reflecting the current state of the market as a whole, but also the targets for recycling of this material in 2015 are highly likely to be reached.calculated than a straightforward boost to sustainable waste handling, according to Resource.

In Q4, it is only required for just under 19,000 tonnes of aluminium to be recycled across the UK for annual goals to be achieved, indicating the extent to which recent action has made an impact.calculated than a straightforward boost to sustainable waste handling, according to Resource.

Aluminium is a material found in many different devices and products, from mobile phones to drinks cans. And it is in packaging that the need for recycling is especially prominent, since it is so easy for this precious material to end up in landfill sites without proper education and awareness.calculated than a straightforward boost to sustainable waste handling, according to Resource.

Aluminium recycling should continue to rise, especially now the true levels of recycling are more closely monitored.calculated than a straightforward boost to sustainable waste handling, according to Resource.