UK aims to raise public awareness of the benefits of recycling

The UK, which offsets 18 million tons of CO2 per year through recycling, holds a weeklong event  to increase household participation as Japan, Germany and Sweden lead the world in glass and aluminum waste recycling.

 

 

The recent publication of zero carbon Britain, a report which outlines the path for a carbon neutral transition by 2030, highlights the government's intention to go green.

Household recycling schemes play a major part in reducing carbon emissions.  In Britain there are currently recycling schemes in 430 local authorities; through these it is currently estimated that UK household recycling saves more than 18 million tons of CO2 a year, the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off the road.

However, according to the European statistics database Euromonitor, the UK only recycled 24 percent of aluminum packaging in 2009, placing it 13th out of the 15 listed countries. Germany and Sweden were the 1st and 2nd largest recyclers of aluminum packaging while Portugal and France were ranked 14th and 15th, recycling only 17 percent and 19 percent of total aluminum packaging waste respectively.

Japan led the table of glass recycling in 2009, and Ireland came a close second. France, which recycled 67.5 percent of its glass waste, was ranked 12th out of 25, two places below South Korea. The USA, Poland, Mexico and Greece were ranked 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th with Greece only recycling 10.6 percent of its glass packaging waste.

In order to raise the public's awareness of recycling, Recycle Now is running National Recycle Week throughout Britain from June 21 to 27. The week places particular focus on the recycling of electronic goods as it is estimated that only 14.5 percent of electronic goods are recycled. Schools are also rewarded for their participation. Similar events are held worldwide: September 12-18 is Recycle Glass Week in the USA which occurs in partnership with Race Across America, and Australia is also holding a national recycle week November 8-14, 2010.  

http://www.recyclenowpartners.org.uk