The projects are taking place in Westminster, Bristol and Glasgow, and are being carried out by Oxford Brookes University, Valpak and ECT Recycling.
Commercial glass has been a fringe activity for WRAP for the most part, because it is covered by producer responsibility measures in the Packaging Waste Directive, rather than the Landfill Directive, which concentrates on biodegradable waste from local authorities.
In the UK, it has been up to companies obligated under the packaging regulations to pay for their share of recycling and recovery targets, rather than the taxpayer.
But a spokeswoman told letsrecycle.com that the decision by government-funded WRAP to fund commercial glass collection trials had been taken because of the potentially large glass tonnages available.
The spokeswoman said: “We've identified an area where there is a huge clean waste stream that could be recycled. There are massive tonnages coming out of that stream, and glass reprocessors are crying out for more glass.”
WRAP's previous work in the field has been to consider the barriers to glass recycling and re-use in the hospitality business.
The organisation estimates that licensed premises in the UK throw out 600,000 tonnes of glass each year, accounting for 27% of all annual container glass arisings. About 84% of this currently goes to landfill. WRAP has set itself targets to recycle an additional 150,000 tonnes of glass each year into higher value applications, including CRT and lighting glass.
Projects
The three pilot projects will look at the quality and quantity of glass collected and the willingness of landlords to pay for collection.
WRAP's spokeswoman explained: “They are pilot schemes looking at the feasibilities of commercial glass collections – whether landlords want to do it, the space for separation of colours, and a few of the clubs will have glass crushers.”
The Oxford Brookes project is aiming to collect 400 tonnes of mixed glass from 100 premises over its three-month period in Westminster, starting in August 2004.
ECT Recycling has started its trials in Bristol, where large pub companies and chains will be considered. The Bristol trials are expected to yield 235 tonnes of glass and will look at the impact of different collection frequencies, vehicle capacity and colour separation.
Valpak's trial is being carried out in Glasgow, and will also look at the use of glass crushers installed on the premises. WRAP said the trial would even see drinkers crushing their own glass. Valpak has previously been involved in commercial glass collections through Recycle-More-Glass, a venture it sold to Berryman in 2003 (see letsrecycle.com story).
Andy Dawe, WRAP's material sector manager for glass, said: “This research aims to provide solutions to assist licensed premises in urban areas to recycle their glass, which will in turn help to meet this unfulfilled demand.”
WRAP said it is to publish guidance and advice specifically for publicans and other licensed retail managers, working with the British Beer and Pub Association, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the British Institute of Inn Keeping.
Subscribe for free