WRAP addresses uncertainty in packaging recycling

The workshops for local authority recycling officers and their communications contractors will explore cost effective ways of using communications to increase public participation in recycling, including suggestions on working with brands and retailers to engage the public and using social media.

They will be hosted in partnership with Coca Cola Enterprises and Sainsburys with input from the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) and the Local Government Association (LGA).

Nick Brown, associate director of recycling for Coca-Cola Enterprises, said while councils have worked hard to increase recycling rates some consumers remain uncertain about which materials can be recycled.

He said: Local Authorities have done a great job in recent years to put in place services to collect recyclable materials from households, resulting in a huge increase in recycling rates. To make the most of these services, we want to work closer across the sector on communications to help householders use their local service and understand what happens to the materials.

We know from our consumers that some have uncertainty about recycling, not helped by a lack of visible national campaign activity. To further accelerate recycling in this country, we all need to inspire householders to recycle more. Coca-Cola Enterprises are delighted to be a part of these workshops to hear from local authority practitioners how we can help and to swap ideas.

The workshops are taking place on:

• October 10 in Morpeth, Northumberland hosted by CCE

• October 31 in Wakefield, Yorkshire hosted by CCE

• February 12 in Coventry hosted by Sainsburys

• February 27 in Cambridge hosted by Sainsburys

• March 5 in Sidcup, London hosted by CCE

Experience

Louise Bowe, head of community partnerships at WRAP, said increasing packaging recycling is important to councils, brands and retailers but they face tighter budgets making this more difficult.

She explained: Communicating so householders have know-how and motivation to use services fully is essential but we recognise budgets for communications these days is tighter than ever for us all. These practical one day workshops will cover advice on cost-effective ways to engage householders to help increase recycling. We will be drawing on experience and insight in recycling communications from local authorities good practice coupled with useful insight from our national partners.

Paul Crewe, Sainsburys head of engineering, sustainability and energy added that he was delighted to be working with the councils, LGA and WRAP to increase recycling rates and said the supermarket was working hard to improve the availability of recycling facilities at its stores.