An online information tool designed to provide an information point for understanding reprocessors’ quality requirements has been launched by the Resource Association today (June 16).
The ReQIP (Recycling Quality Information Point) online hub includes a set of specification targets with acceptable contamination levels for different recyclable materials. There is a range of levels fordifferent materials althoughspecifications for steel cans were not given.
The guidance comes against the background of debate over separate collection rules and the UK governments decision not to publish guidance on complying with the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. Instead Defracalled for industry to step forward to provide local authorities and reprocessors with advice on TEEP and associated issues.
Regulations
The regulations state that separate collections of at least paper, metal, plastic and glass are required where they are technically, environmentally and economically practicable (TEEP) and appropriate to meet the necessary quality standards for the relevant recycling sectors by January 2015.
The Association says that its tool is defining “high quality” recycling from the reprocessor’s perspective and it has worked withconsultant Peter Mansfield & Associates Ltd to produce the ReQIP information tool for reprocessors.
MrMansfield, who has particularknowledge of the paper sector and municipal collections,compiled data on recyclable material quality specifications from 36 reprocessor companies and associations to produce the quality specifications table for the ReQIP project.
Heexplained that ReQIP was a live process and that any reprocessors wishing to add specifications information to the project are warmly invited to get in touch.
Reprocessors
‘While no outside body has the mandate or authority to issue guidance on TEEP, we have provided a comprehensive and accessible summary of what UK reprocessors consider to be high quality recycling in relation to their feedstock requirements and specifications.’
Ray Georgeson, Resource Association chief executive
The RA said the information represents quality specifications information for 12,917,800 tonnes of UK reprocessing of key materials paper, glass plastics and metals along with green and wood wastes, batteries beverage cartons and textiles.
Chief executive of the Resource Association, Ray Georgeson, said: We understand the position that many in local authorities feel they have been left in as a result of the lack of formal guidance from Defra on TEEP, but we have responded positively to the challenge from Dan Rogerson for industry to step forward.
While no outside body has the mandate or authority to issue guidance on TEEP, we have provided a comprehensive and accessible summary of what UK reprocessors consider to be high quality recycling in relation to their feedstock requirements and specifications. It cannot be regarded as guidance on TEEP but it is necessary information for councils as they work out whether their collection schemes are compliant with legislation.
| Material | RA contamination limits |
|---|---|
| Food waste | 0.5% |
| Garden waste | 2% (of which 0.5% plastics) |
| News and pams | 0.5% (NPC) / 1% (UWM) * |
| Cardboard | 1.5% (NPC) / 2.5 – 3% (UWM) * |
| Mixed papers | 1.5% (NPC) / 2.5 – 3% (UWM) * |
| Glass for remelt | 0 – 1% |
| Glass for aggregate | < 5% |
| Aluminium cans | 3% |
| Steel cans | N/A |
| Plastic bottles | 0 – 6% |
| Household plastic packaging | 0 – 5% |
| Plastic bags and film | 0 – 3% |
| Cartons | 0 – 5% |
| Textiles | 0 – 5% |
| Small mixed WEEE | 1 – 2% |
| Disposable nappies | 0% |
| Wood / furniture | 0 – 1% |
| Batteries | 1 – 5% |
Table showing acceptable contamination levels of recyclable materials (* NPC = non-paper components, UWM = non-paper components and unwanted material)
Mr Georgeson said the ReQIP constituted a clear and comprehensive statement of the necessary quality standards for the relevant recycling sectors as defined in Article 11 of the waste regulations.
He said: In the next phase of the project in the next few weeks, we will release a chart detailing reprocessor views on the broad impact on material value of the mixing of certain materials in collection schemes. This is again aimed at improving the information available directly from reprocessors to local authorities, an area which will benefit from improved communication.
Supply chain
RA chairman Jonathan Short added that the ReQIP information could also be used by councils with their collection contractors and MRF operators, as all parts of the supply chain need to work better together to improve recyclate quality.
Mr Short said: We welcome dialogue with local authorities that want to understand the needs of the reprocessor better and who appreciate that while collection is a critical element, recycling doesnt happen until the materials are reprocessed back into product.
Earlier this month, the Resource Association confirmed that its members were not contemplating any legal challenge over comingling in light of the TEEP and quality rules (see letsrecycle.com story).
Members
Supporting the work of the Resource Association on high quality recycling and contamination levels at the launch were: Alliance for Beverage Cans and Environment (ACE-UK) , Aylesford Newsprint, Lawrence M Barry & Co, Berryman, Biffa Polymers, Closed Loop Recycling, ECO Plastics, Environcomp Global, G&P Batteries, Huhtamaki (Lurgan), Lower Reule Bioenergy, MTM Plastics, Novelis Recycling, Palm Recycling, Regain Polymers, Renewable Energy Association (Organics Group), Salvation Army Trading Co, DS Smith Recycling, Smurfit Kappa Recycling, Timberpak, UPM, White Moss Horticulture and the Wood Recyclers Association.
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