Recycler defends export of waste paper to China

Responding to Mr Huhne's demands for an investigation of the export of British waste to China (see letsrecycle.com story), Perrys Recycling argued that sending waste to the other side of the world to be dumped would be “ludicrous” considering the shipping charge involved.

” Without exports to the Far East we would have to stop recycling at least 50% of what we are currently achieving. “
– Brian Perry, Perrys Recycling
Mr Huhne expressed concerns last week as it was revealed that exports of UK recovered paper to China had increased from 4,000 tonnes to over 1.5 million tonnes in the last 10 years.

Brian Perry, chairman at the Yeovil-based firm, told Mr Huhne that he had visited China to see for himself how material is processed, and reported that the Chinese “have the latest technology and are investing continuously” with respect to paper recycling.

“No alternative”
With over 40 paper and board mills closing in the UK over the last decade, there was now “no alternative” but to export over 50% of the UK's waste paper to the Far East, he said.

Mr Perry explained: “Whilst we as a company sell a high proportion of recycling grades within the UK and Europe, the industry now has no alternative but to export over 50% to the Far East. I have visited China to see for myself, they have the latest technology and are investing continuously in their manufacturing industry.

“We are monitored very closely on standards of material we export, and in fact are receiving an inspection later this week. Although, we have never had a rejection, downgrade or problems concerning quality, and have built our reputation upon high standards and quality of recycling material that we process and send for reprocessing,” he said.

The Perrys Recycling chairman noted that the Lib Dem MP for Yeovil, David Laws, had already visited his company to see for himself the quality of material being exported.

Revive
In his letter, dated January 25, Mr Perry pleaded for political support to revive the paper industry in the UK. He said: “It concerns me greatly what will happen for the future generations when countries such as China no longer require the volumes of recycling material that we are currently sending. What will be the alternative, waste to energy or landfill?”

But he said until the paper industry can be revived in this country, damaging paper exports would be “throwing the baby out with the bath water”.

Mr Perry said: “Every time that we get bad publicity regarding recycling materials being exported and have to defend ourselves for carrying out legitimate business because of ill-informed media coverage, and it would appear lack of MPs understanding the true situation. Please, ask the experts and send someone to these countries if you wish or I assume that you may have sufficient contacts in various embassies. The truth is, that without exports to the Far East we would have to stop recycling at least 50% of what we are currently achieving and the market value would collapse over night.”