2.3 What will the plastic recycling value chain be like in 2030?
2.3.1. Legislation and enforcement Although this roadmap is not examining the potential impact of legislative changes such as the ones mentioned in 1.2.4, it is essential that legislation put in place does not have unintended consequences for the UK plastic recycling sector. As mentioned in the key drivers, there needs to be the right fiscal incentives in place to drive up recycling rates but in a sustainable way. It also needs to be recognised that waste infrastructure is critical. One of the legislative changes in 1.2.4 is the EPR Scheme. It is noted here as it has the opportunity to be a key catalyst in the majority of the drivers and changes set out in this section. EPR can provide a funding mechanism which, if set up to support the whole value chain, can enable the recycling industry to develop. By 2030, it is expected that waste crime will have been significantly reduced with the right level of enforcement and penalties in place to deter criminals – the Environment Agency recently set up a Joint Unit for Waste Crime to tackle this issue. There is also a Waste Compliance Taskforce (WACT) to get collaborate and cross-sector working to engage with regulators and policy makers. A tracking system for waste discussed in 2.3.11 would also be important to make waste more transparent.
2.3.2. Consistent collection service across the UK The government consistent collection reform is expected by 2023 with all local authorities needing to put in place the collection by 2028. Consistent collection of household-like packaging from C&I sources would come into effect within the same timescales therefore, by 2030, local authorities will be collecting the following set of consistent materials:
Films and flexible plastic should also be part of this set of consistent material as discussed in 2.3.3. By 2030, an agreement should have been reached with councils, waste management companies and recyclers on the specification for each of these materials. This will include producing a list of any specific products which are excluded and instructions on how material should be presented for collection, e.g. ‘caps & lids on’. This would build on existing guidance. The collection methods used by councils will also have started to be simplified by 2030 to create less variation while allowing for schemes which meet the needs of different property types and communities. This will include collection frequencies and type/ colour of containers. Separate in-store collections will be provided for specific items which are not collected through the kerbside scheme. An example could be collections for coat hangers. The whole value chain should be working together to increase the range of material which can be recycled through work on design and advancement in technology. The value chain would meet regularly to ensure they are working collaboratively. The UK should be working towards accepting all types of plastics. This plastic would need to be sorted within MRF and PRF. Anything which can be mechanically recycled would follow this route with other types of plastic going to non-mechanical recycling facilities.
• Plastic bottles – including clear drink containers, HDPE (milk containers), detergent, shampoo and cleaning products • PTT including PET trays and PP tubs
BPF RECYCLING ROADMAP FUTURE VISION
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