‘Biggest rise’ in aluminium can recycling rate in 2011

Based on data collected from within the industry, Alupro has calculated that the UK achieved a recycling rate of 60% for drinks cans in 2011 an increase of more than 6% from 2010.

And, combining this with PRN figures published by the government for the same period, Alupro believes that the recycling rate for all aluminium packaging has increased by more than 4% putting the overall recycling rate at 45%.

Improvement

This improvement comes despite the continued growth in sales of drinks cans as well as an increase in the amount of aluminium packaging on the market.

Alupro executive director Rick Hindley said: The confirmation that recycling rates for drinks cans as well as aluminium packaging have increased so dramatically is welcome news for the industry.

It follows a period of significant activity and investment to boost recycling participation and capture rates for aluminium, and all metal packaging, and reflects an increasing awareness of the economic value of recycling aluminium packaging, and the contribution it can make to the viability of a recycling programme.

According to Mr Hindley industry funded initiatives such as MetalMatters, set up to help local authorities and waste contractors promote metal packaging recycling to householders, have contributed to an improvement in recycling rates.

The scheme, supported by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) was developed and funded by aluminium packaging manufacturers and reprocessors, following on from Alupros Aerofoil aerosol recycling campaign.

Mr Hindley added: Industry funded programmes such as Every Can Counts, Aerofoil and most recently MetalMatters, have not only increased capture rates for drinks cans away from the home and kerbside recycling rates for other metal packaging, they are also delivering a real shift in consumer behaviour leading to increased capture rates for all materials.

Meanwhile, it is vital that local authorities continue to communicate with households and promote their recycling services. Regular, clear communication is essential to reinforce awareness. This will not only increase participation and capture rates, but will bring about long-term behavioural change.