Greenpeace highlights UK opposition to 65% targets

Under the current laws, EU nations must achieve a legally binding recycling rate of 50% by 2020. Despite improvements over the past decade, the UK’s recycling rate is currently around 44%.

Unearthed claimed today that leaked notes from an EU delegation reveal that UK officials told their counterparts the country will not support an EU-wide target of recycling 65% of all municipal waste by 2035 during negotiations.

Diplomats

The article stated: “Diplomats from three other EU nations, speaking on condition of anonymity, agreed that UK officials had voiced opposition to the binding recycling target. One told Unearthed the UK had been ‘quite blunt’.

The rejection will not necessarily come as a shock to everyone in the waste industry. A number of countries, including accession states, have previously expressed reservations about landfill diversion targets and recycling rates arguing that they needed more time to achieve these. The UK has always been concerned about meeting the targets, (see letsrecycle.com story) largely because of a need to make them realistic and achievable.

Defra response

Defra criticised the report by Unearthed, which was also picked up by the Guardian. It said the article  was based on “out-of-date, internal Defra analysis of the effect  of a proposed 65% recycling rate” and added that the article just “speculates” that the UK will oppose this package when a decision is made.

A Defra spokesperson said: “The government will make a decision on its vote following close scrutiny of the proposals, which are still provisional.

“Our recycling rates are rising, less waste is now sent to landfill and separate food waste collections are increasing, but as set out in the Clean Growth Strategy and 25 year environment plan, we are working with industry to improve the nation’s recycling rates further.

“When we leave the EU we will have the opportunity to strengthen and enhance our environmental standards even further by delivering a Green Brexit.”

Environment plan

The reported rejection of targets comes just weeks after the government released its 25 year Environment Plan, with environment secretary Michael Gove explaining that “a lot more has to be done”.

The plans further outlined proposals to release a “resources and waste strategy” in 2018 aimed at making the UK “a world leader in resource efficiency”.

Opposition

Labour shadow environment spokeswoman Sue Hayman told Unearthed: “It comes as no surprise that the government are trying to scupper progress on recycling behind the scenes. Recycling rates have stagnated on this government’s watch and we are way behind meeting our national targets. Michael Gove needs to clarify the government’s position on this matter without delay.”