Nearly one fifth of recycling ends up non-recyclable due to contamination
New research by leading waste management company Biffa reveals that nearly one fifth (17%) of England and Wales’ waste (from both businesses and households) cannot be recycled due to contamination.
The experts analysed the latest available WRAP waste collection data between 2016 and 2020 to determine the contamination rate, based on the amounts of non-target and non-recyclable materials that entered UK material recycling facilities (MRFs).
After a recent WRAP survey revealed that over four in five people recycle items they shouldn’t, Biffa’s examination of the waste itself shows the amount of ‘wishcycling’ (assuming an item is recycling) that happens.
Biffa’s analysis found that, in 2016, the average contamination rate of recycling waste was 13.4%, rising over four years to 17% by the end of 2020 - more than 3% in as many years.
The data also showed that non-recyclable materials played a bigger part in contaminating recycling. In 2020, non-target materials (recyclable items that have been placed in the wrong bin) accounted for 6.5% of contaminated waste. Meanwhile, non-recyclables (items that either cannot be recycled or are too contaminated with other materials, such as food) made up 10.4% of contaminates.
How to prevent contamination
Understand on-pack recycling labels (OPRLs)
All packaging contains an OPRL, explaining whether it can or cannot be recycled (along with guidance for doing so if necessary). Consumers and businesses should seek out guidance on what recycling symbols on packaging mean then share this knowledge with their communities (from colleagues to clients). The system of symbols currently in use is not perfect and can be difficult to understand, but Biffa is supportive of forthcoming Government legislation to have simpler system of symbols to make it easier for everyone to recycle.
Get clued up on plastic
There are seven different types of plastic – ranging from PET (which is used in plastic drinks bottles) through to PVC (found in things like plastic food wrap) – but not all of them are recyclable. The types of plastic can be determined by their plastic resin code (a triangle on packaging with a number from one to seven inside). Generally, resin codes 1,2, 4 and 5 are recyclable, while 3, 6 and 7 are not – but it’s best to refer to the packaging’s OPRL for specific guidance.
Use recycling centres and sustainable waste management companies
Some recyclable items are unable to go in standard recycling bins – for example, electrical items. Manufacturers, producers, or retailers will pay for electrical items to be recycled. These are usually broken down to separate the different materials they are made so they can be recycled individually. Waste electrical and electronic waste (WEEE), along with items like furniture and batteries, are however accepted at local recycling centres or by waste management providers. Ensuring recyclables are disposed into the correct waste streams stops contamination at the source, so explore alternative disposal methods for any uncommon recyclables.
Stop ‘wish-cycling’
As a society we are rightly more eco-conscious than ever, however ‘wish-cycling’ is a problem. In an effort to recycle more, ‘wish-cycling’ means those who throw waste into recycling bins without checking whether the item can actually be recycled. This results in high levels of contamination where rogue items can potentially prevent a whole load of waste from being recycled. Rinsing recyclable waste (as indicated on OPRLs) will also help to ensure packaging can be recycled rather than being too contaminated to process. Contamination leads to waste moving down the waste hierarchy (a framework for managing waste), where it’s less recyclable or recoverable. Greater education – like Biffa’s guides on which plastics can be recycled and what the recycling symbols mean - makes the entire process easier, reducing the chance of mistakes being made.
David Heaton, Business Director of MRFs and PRFs at Biffa, said this of the findings:
“Contamination happens when items are disposed of in the wrong bins or haven’t been rinsed before being recycled. It means recyclable resources are lost and cannot be reused. It’s important that people understand what should go in the recycling bin and how to ‘pre-cycle’ beforehand (to rinse a tub or tray if it’s got food on it, for example) so we can recycle as much material as possible. Business leaders can play a crucial role here - educating their workforce through signage and engaging waste experts will drive a positive change, while helping them hit their sustainability targets.
“Should the alarming trajectory we’re seeing continue, contamination rates could reach nearly one quarter of all recycling by 2030 without legislative intervention. EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility – making producers responsible for the cost of managing packaging waste) - and consistent kerbside collections are actions planned by the Government to be introduced from 2024. However, without these changes in legislation, recycling and contamination rates are unlikely to improve. All being well though, we could see a step up from businesses and consumers.
“It’s vital as a nation that we get better at effective ‘pre-cycling’ - sorting waste correctly before collection - to reduce contamination rates. Recycling does not happen by magic, but we’re proudly working closely with businesses to understand and improve behaviours to enable more sustainable operations.”
