Estimates from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggest that of all the plastic that reaches the market every year, as little as 6% is recycled. Consequently, as part of the government's ‘Simpler Recycling’ scheme, by the 31st of March, all businesses with 10 or more full-time employees must separate plastic, paper and card, glass, metals (cans, tins and foil) and food waste from general waste. This initiative aims to divert valuable resources from landfill and support the UK’s circular economy. This coincides with the UK’s ambitions of eliminating avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042 and reaching zero avoidable waste by 2050. From designing more environmentally conscious plastics, to implementing more widespread extended producer responsibilities, there is still much to be done to increase recycling yields and standardise the recycling process. How can we continue to optimise the entire recycling process, as part of a wider mission of making the waste system more sustainable?
This event will:
- Consider how we can change patterns in behaviour to promote the uptake of recycling and streamline the process for users?
- Explore what strategies effectively motivate both consumers and producers to adopt deposit return schemes and extended producer responsibilities?
- Discuss what incentives are needed to ensure that sustainable packaging and recycling options remain financially viable for businesses?