How is plastic recycled in UK

Former British Minister of State for Pacific and the Environment, Zac Goldsmith once quoted “Of all the waste we generate, plastic bags are perhaps the greatest symbol of our throwaway society. They are used, then forgotten, and they leave a terrible legacy”.

Indeed, it is very true that one of the biggest pressing issues of our time is dealing with plastic waste. With plastic bags representing our disposable culture, the world has become dependent on plastics in recent decades. This is mainly because plastic has relatively cheap production costs, durability, and incredible versatility.

Why Plastic Recycling is Relevant in the UK?

According to the BBC, organisers Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic conducted a survey involving nearly 100,000 households who meticulously documented the type and amount of plastic they disposed of over seven days. The survey results estimated that the UK throws out nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic a year, a jaw-dropping number. This huge amount of plastic waste has automatically generated concern among the public, as plastic can take centuries to decompose, which is detrimental to both the environment and our health.

To address this issue, the UK government introduced several policies, such as the single-use carrier bag charge, which has reduced the use of single-use carrier bags in major supermarkets by over 95%, along with the litter associated with them, by encouraging people to reuse bags. The government is also planning to go even further through the Environment Act, which aims to establish greater consistency in the plastic recycling system so that people can change the way they manage their plastic waste.

Among all methods and policies, plastic recycling is an essential and popular component of waste management in the UK. With the rising awareness of plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems, the country has implemented various measures to ensure efficient recycling of plastic materials.

The main aim to rely on recycling of plastic is to reduce the need to create new plastic, instead popularise reusing and recycling items as many times as possible. Plastic recycling also helps to

• Lessen plastic pollution

• Conserve natural resources and decrease landfill waste

• Lower carbon emissions and save energy

• Supports sustainable manufacturing

• Creates job opportunities

• Promotes environmental awareness

• Encourages responsible consumption

How is Plastic Recycled in the UK?

Let’s see below how does the UK recycles plastic. The process of recycling involves several stages, each playing a critical role in transforming plastic waste into reusable material.

• Collection: The recycling process begins with the collection of plastic waste from households, businesses, schools and public spaces. This is typically done through a local authority either directly or using a waste management contractor. Some other collection opportunities include kerbside collection programs, recycling bins in public areas, and drop-off centres.
  
  Once collected, the plastic waste is transported to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and/ or a Plastic Recovery Facility (PRF) ready to be sorted into different types of plastics.

• Sorting: Plastic sorting from other materials -- which is done at a MRF – is the second stage of the recycling process. Various techniques are used for sorting, such as manual picking, trommels, Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) screening, ballistic separators, magnet separators, eddy currents for non-ferrous metals, optic sorting machines, and sink-float separators. However, the techniques used in practice will vary by facility. Certain facilities even use advanced sorting technologies, such as infrared sensors and air classifiers, to separate plastics by type and colour.

• Cleaning: Following sorting, the plastic is extensively cleaned to get rid of any contamination or pollutants, including food residue or labels. This step is essential as it ensures the quality of the recycled plastic. The plastic may be cleaned using a variety of techniques, including rotary and friction washing, depending on the pollution and processing.

• Shredding: After the plastic is cleaned thoroughly, it is sent through shredding machines where it is shredded into smaller pieces, known as plastic flakes. This process makes it easier to handle and process the plastic in following stages.

• Melting: The plastic flakes are then melted down with the heat and moulded into new shape or extruding it into pellets – which can be used to manufacture a wide range of products, from plastic bottles to clothing fibres.

• Reforming: The product obtained from melting is reformed into new plastic products, which helps to fulfil the purpose of sustainability. Through strict quality control measures, the quality of the recycled plastic is maintained, ensuring that the final products meet industry standards.

As a highly versatile material, recycled plastics are used in various applications across multiple industries, enhancing its reusability efforts. Packaging is one such example, where consumer goods, including bottles, containers, and packaging films, are now made from recycled plastic. Similarly, other industries, such as construction and textiles, also make use of recycled plastic as it aims to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices.

How much plastic waste is recycled in the UK?

The UK has made significant strides in increasing its plastic recycling rates, yet there is still room for improvement. According to recent statistics, around 45% of plastic packaging waste is recycled in the UK. This is a notable increase from previous years, driven by enhanced recycling infrastructure, government policies, and increased public awareness.

However, challenges remain, including the contamination of recyclable materials and the need for better collection and sorting systems. To address these issues, ongoing efforts are focused on improving recycling technologies, implementing stricter regulations, and encouraging public participation in recycling programs.

Recycling plastic in the UK is a multifaceted endeavour that brings substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits where waste is minimised, and resources are reused effectively. The commitment to recycling plastic not only reflects our responsibility to the environment but also our dedication to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

Locate your nearest Plastic Waste Recycling Centre

Locate your nearest plastic waste recycling centre by visiting your local council's website or by using online resources. Additionally, many supermarkets and retail stores have dedicated recycling bins for plastic waste.