Recycling alliance finds DETR meeting “encouraging”

Representatives of more than 300 recycling businesses in the UK have met with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to discuss a range of issues. The department was told of the concerns the businesses have that smaller companies are often being harshly treated by legislation. The companies came together on Wednesday under the Recycling Industries Alliance which draws membership from six trade associations: the British Metals Federation, The Independent Glass Recyclers Association, Independent Waste Paper Processors Association, the Textile Recycling Association, the Wood Recycling Association and the European Tyre Recycling Association. Key issues for the meeting included the question of PRNs and who can issue them and the need for independent businesses to receive fair allocations of funds directed towards investment. Alliance chairman David Burnikell described the meeting as “encouraging. There was a robust exchange of views and the members of the Alliance were pleased to find some recognition that the recycling industry has its own distinct dynamics.” The delegation also asked for greater involvement from independent recyclers when the department prepared legislation covering recycling.