2.8 billion containers recycled as part of Sweden’s DRS in 2024
Over 2.8 billion PET bottles and aluminium cans were returned through the Swedish deposit return system (DRS) in 2024 – a 6% increase compared to the previous year. In 2024, Sweden’s deposit return rate reached 87.6%, just short of the 90% target. On average, every person in Sweden recycled 271 containers last year, according to fresh data from Returpack/Pantamera, the operator of the country’s DRS. In 2024, Sweden’s deposit system prevented over 180,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, Returpack/Pantamera said. In the DRS, PET bottles and aluminium cans stay in a closed recycling loop, which is crucial for achieving true circularity. Sara Bergendorff, Head of Sustainability and Quality at…
Man fined £12,000 for storing toxic waste at his business
A business owner has been fined more than £12,000 for allowing waste, litter, and debris to build up in public areas and at a neighbouring property. Cameron Thompson, 50, pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates Court to breaching duty of care in relation to waste control under Section 34(1) of the Environmental Protection Act. Thompson, who owns of Overbook Automotive, a classic car restoration and sales business, was ordered to pay a £10,800 fine, as well as £2,081 in costs. The Court heard that the waste at the site was predominantly sealant foam and plastic sheeting. Cotswold District Council said Overbook Automotive had also fallen into a state of disrepair,…
WRAP seeking new CEO as Harriet Lamb leaves for Green Party
Harriet Lamb has resigned as CEO of WRAP to become the CEO of the Green Party of England and Wales, sparking the search for her successor. Lamb will leave the global environmental action NGO (non-governmental organisation) WRAP at the end of May. Harriet Lamb said the decision to leave WRAP was extremely difficult. The Chair of WRAP, Sebastian Munden, said Lamb is leaving the organisation on a “strong footing”. “We are grateful to Harriet for all her work at WRAP and understand her decision to leave reflects a deeply held personal passion,” Munden commented. “Together, we remain focused on accelerating the growth of the circular economy with all…
EU’s plastic recycling industry at “breaking point”
The European Union’s plastic recycling industry is at a “breaking point”, Plastic Recyclers Europe says. Plastic Recyclers Europe said a sharp decline in domestic production, increased imports, and rising economic pressures are forcing company closures. Plastic Recyclers Europe, which represents European plastics recyclers who reprocess plastic waste, warned of “severe consequences” across the entire value chain. “Now more than ever, decisive action is essential,” Ton Emans, President at Plastics Recyclers Europe, said. “We urge EU policymakers to take a fast and strong political stance, introducing effective import controls and enforcing existing legislation, including the restriction of importing materials which do not meet equivalent EU sustainability and safety standards.” We…
Zero waste in action: Pioneering initiatives from around the world
Ahead of the United Nation’s (UN’s) third International Day of Zero Waste on 30 March, Andrea Lockerbie explores real-world examples that show how zero-waste principles are put into action. Each year the world generates between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste – from textiles and packaging to electronics and food. It’s staggering, and International Day of Zero Waste highlights the need for sustainable consumption and production. This year, for the first time, the day has a theme – towards zero waste in fashion and textiles. According to the UN, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is generated across the world each year – equivalent to…
WRAP survey shows 21% increase in food items being wasted
WRAP’s Household Food Management Survey shows a 21% increase in self-reported food waste for the four key food items monitored: bread, milk, potatoes and chicken. Self-reported waste of the four key products – bread, milk, chicken, and potatoes – has been slowly rising since 2020, which WRAP says is the fourth highest on record since May 2018. As part of Food Waste Action Week, Love Food Hate Waste has published its annual Household Food Management Survey giving a snapshot of the nation’s behaviours and attitudes towards food. In June 2024, 21% of the four key products were wasted and 27% of respondents classified as high food wasters. 86% agree…
Exploring EU waste generation trends and solutions
As the EU grapples with shifting waste generation trends dominated by construction, demolition, and recycling residues, Waste Robotics’ André Matula explores the challenges and solutions shaping the future of Europe’s circular economy. The European Union’s waste landscape is undergoing significant changes, presenting considerable challenges and opportunities as the bloc seeks to strengthen its circular economy. Recent Eurostat data highlights evolving trends, notably the continued dominance of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, along with substantial impacts from mining, quarrying, and secondary waste arising from recycling and energy recovery. In 2020, the EU generated around 2,153 million tonnes of waste, with construction and demolition activities contributing the largest share at 37%.…
It’s time for the circular economy to get dirty
Founder of Hubbub and Sizzle Trewin Restorick explains why its time to start treating food and green waste as a valuable resource, not a mess to be disposed of. The government has announced a new independent expert advisory group to offer guidance on how best to create a circular economy. It will have plenty to explore with electronics, fashion and packaging likely to grab their immediate attention. But maybe they should look at less discussed and grubbier materials to deliver on their ambitions to create green growth, maximise UK resource use, and support the transition to net zero. Trewin has written before about how his new sustainable venture Treasure…
Two weeks left for businesses to submit 2024 pEPR data
Obligated businesses must submit 2024 packaging data by 1 April 2025 under the new extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme. Under legislation which came into force on 1 January 2024, large organisations must submit their July-December 2024 data by 1 April. Small organisations must submit their January-December 2024 data in one annual submission by 1 April. Both large and small organisations must also register with their environmental regulator by the same date. If obligated packaging producers have not reported their data or registered, they could face enforcement action. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the data producers provide will be “crucial” in helping to…
72% of Welsh voters say protecting the environment is a priority
72% of Welsh voters say protecting the Welsh countryside and waterways through recycling was a “top political priority”. The research, commissioned by Alupro, polled 1,100 adults in Wales and was conducted between 7 and 9 March by Redfield and Wilton Strategies on behalf of Alupro. The poll also revealed 56% of Welsh voters approve of the Welsh Government’s record on recycling. Wales’s local authority recycling rate is 66.6%, currently the highest council recycling performance of any UK nation. Wales is also set to introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers that will include glass as an in-scope material. “Despite a growing worldwide clamour to water down green policies,…
