‘Make manufacturers pay for their waste’
Zero Waste
Local councils want manufacturers to be charged for the cost of handling their waste to encourage producers of hard-to-recycle goods to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives. A report from the Local Government Association says the revenue would help hard-up councils invest in better waste collection and recycling services. It takes aim at confusion over recycling labels, saying that “unclear” messaging results in too much recyclable waste ending up in landfill.
RECYCLING is too complicated and manufacturers should pay for the cost of their waste, councils say today.
The Local Government Association (LGA) wants tougher measures that would increase charges on manufacturers that make hard-to-recycle products. Councils argue the money could be invested in new waste collection and recycling services, reducing the burden on taxpayers.
In some areas, councils are tackling the problem head-on by refusing to collect rubbish if households repeatedly fail to put items in the correct bins.
Today’s LGA report takes aim at confusion over recycling labels, saying that “unclear” messaging results in too much recyclable waste ending up in landfill.
Earlier this year, The Telegraph launched a “Zero Waste” campaign, calling on the Government, councils and companies to do more to boost recycling rates and simplify the process.
The LGA says future governments must encourage manufacturers to switch their packaging to recyclable alternatives.
One measure it suggests could make firms cover the costs of disposing of their waste, while the report also calls for more green initiatives such as recycling communication campaigns.
The LGA wants a crackdown on flytipping, after figures earlier this year showed no one has been handed the maximum £50,000 fine or 12 months in prison since ministers introduced guidelines in 2014.
Cllr David Renard, the LGA environment spokesman, said: “Councils want to increase recycling rates. Clearer labelling and increased charges for hard to recycle products would help councils, manufacturers and the public be part of a vital recycling revolution.
“Councils are doing all they can to improve recycling rates, which is why all councils in England collect paper and cans for recycling, and almost all councils collect plastic bottles, card and glass. If we are serious about improving recycling rates, then the next government needs to commit to reforms that ensure producers pay the full cost of recycling packaging. More importantly, manufacturers need to reduce waste at ... source to stop unnecessary and unrecyclable material becoming an issue in the first place.”
The report highlights successful initiatives introduced by some councils to boost recycling rates to at least 50 per cent of household waste.
‘The next government needs to commit to reforms that ensure producers pay the full cost of recycling packaging’
In August, Swindon borough council began compulsory recycling. Any households who continually refuse to recycle will have their collections suspended under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
In April 2019, the council’s recycling rate was 38 per cent, but the latest figures show it has risen to 42 per cent.
Islington Council has a similar policy, and sends wardens to issue fines as a last resort if households continually refuse to recycle.
Lewes district council hit its all-time high recycling rate of 43 per cent in May by replacing a multiple box-andbag system for recyclable items with a single wheelie bin. Year on year, refuse collected in May was 150 tons less and kerbside recycling 44 tons more.