7 December 2016 Guide

Collection and sorting of household rigid plastic packaging

An increasing number of local authorities are adding non-bottle rigid plastic packaging, comprising pots, tubs and trays, to existing kerbside recycling schemes. We have produced a guide which sets out key considerations, benefits and options of taking this approach.

Key points:

  • There is significant scope to increase the capture of all forms of rigid plastic packaging for recycling
  • The collection of plastic bottles has increased dramatically over the last decade and is now commonplace in most local authorities. Opportunities now exist to include more packaging types into local collections

Overview

This guide is aimed specifically at local authorities that:

  • Currently provide a kerbside collection of plastic bottles and are looking for advice on expanding these collections to include other forms of rigid plastic packaging.
  • Are seeking advice on introducing rigid plastic packaging to a kerbside recycling collection.

It is targeted at senior officers and decision makers within local authorities and aims to communicate the key messages in a digestible, concise format that is easily accessible either on-line or as printed copy

While the guide is likely to be useful to authorities in all nations, steps should be taken to ensure that local policies and material outlets are considered. It also contains links to further detailed information, including a separate guide for local authorities looking to optimise existing plastic bottle-only collections.

Contents

  • Introduction
  • Targeting rigid plastic packaging: key trends and benefits
  • Recycling supply chain and markets for rigid plastic packaging
  • Collection
  • Household communications
  • What to consider before making a decision
  • Glossary
  • Acknowledgements

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  • Collection and sorting of household rigid plastic packaging

    PDF, 2.48 MB

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