DS Smith is forecasting the UK will miss its 2030 recycling rate target by 13 years and has called for more consistent recycling policies including a focus on source segregation.
The UK is on course to miss Defra’s (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) 65% recycling rate target for 2030 by 13 years, according to modelling by DS Smith. The modelling follows the UK only achieving a 44.6% recycling rate in 2021, which still doesn’t meet the 2020 target of 50%.
The sustainable packaging provider is making the call for more consistent recycling policies across the UK following media reports that the UK government is considering delaying its extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging and a government report calling Collection and Packaging reforms “unachievable”.
DS Smith has identified a lack of consistency in recycling infrastructure across England as a “key issue”. The packaging provider also says that as e-commerce has risen in popularity and led to more packaging in UK homes, recycling rates have stagnated.
DS Smith says the range of recycling systems and rules across the UK makes clear recycling guidance “almost impossible” and contributes to general consumer confusion. A recent survey by recipe box company Gousto found that 72% of UK respondents admit to putting rubbish in recycling bins without being sure it can be recycled.
If the UK is to successfully transition to a circular economy, we must treat materials such as cardboard, as a currency and not waste.
The survey also found that 71% of respondents think packaging labels and guidance on recycling are confusing and 45% are often unsure what can and can’t be recycled from household waste.
While the UK’s recycling rates overall are behind targets, Wales has achieved a household recycling rate of 56.7% in 2021 ahead of the 2025 target of 55%. DS Smith says Wales has “reaped the benefits” of a more consistent approach to recycling collections.
Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive, DS Smith, commented: “The role of paper and cardboard packaging has changed completely over the last decade as consumers have bought more shopping online. With more packaging now coming into the home, our recycling infrastructure needs huge investment and a consistent policy so every householder can effectively recycle.
“If the UK is to successfully transition to a circular economy, we must treat materials such as cardboard, as a currency and not waste. Separate collections of cardboard and paper would reduce contamination, driving up recycling rates and providing millions of pounds to the UK economy.”
