Firms should be forced to reveal where recycling ends up

At present, councils collect waste from household and then pass it on to companies for recycling. The businesses have a Duty of Care to make sure the materials are passed on to an authorised, legal site – which councils are encouraged to check is being upheld.

However, many local authorities have reported that they are struggling to obtain this information as businesses often “hide behind” commercial confidentiality – which in turn undermines public confidence in the practice.

Now, the Local Government Association – which represents authorities in England and Wales – has written to the Environment Agency, whose role it is to monitor exports and regulate waste businesses in the UK, to urge pressure to be brought on these firms to be more transparent.

It has also written to every council leader in England and Wales to stress the importance of having detailed information about where recycled items are sold or sent to – which has received growing public attention.

Councillor Paul Bettison, Chairman of the LGA Environment Board, said: “It is vital that people have confidence in recycling so we can encourage them to go that extra mile and do more. If a contractor refuses to reveal where materials are being sold it can lead to suspicion and undermine the whole process. It is important that local authorities and local people are confident that their waste is being sold or exported responsibly.

“Council leaders also need to build trust in the system and ensure they have as much information as possible about where materials are sent to. Although the majority will already have these steps in place, it is important all residents have this assurance. Myths about recycling can act as a barrier to people doing their bit and so it is vital we continue to win the public's hearts and minds,” he added.

In the LGA's letter to the EA, addressed to chair Lord Chris Smith, Cllr Bettison stressed that while reporting requirements could be made a condition of future council waste contracts, many local authorities were not a present in a position to require this of their contractors – and was therefore reliant on the role of the EA in regulating the shipments of waste abroad.

He said: “I would welcome your thoughts on how exporting companies could be encouraged to reassure their clients of the destination of materials sent abroad for recycling and how waste disposal authorities can best share information with the EA on companies who are unwilling to provide such information in order that the Agency might target its enforcement activity accordingly.”