Every month we ask recycling and waste management professionals a different industry question in our renowned online poll. For January, the focus was the UK’s ability to meet upcoming recycling targets, following a disappointing announcement from Defra in late 2016.
Whilst we were all perhaps expecting it, the news that the UK’s annual household recycling rate had fallen, did not make for pleasant reading – especially because it is the first that’s happened since the yearly reporting process began.
So, in the wake of the findings, we asked our clients, peers, contacts and social media connections: Do you think the 2020 target of 50% is still feasible?
Encouragingly, it seems there’s still quite a lot of faith in the industry, which will no doubt please Defra.
A staggering 83% said that yes, the targets are still feasible, but it will need lots of effort.
Exactly where that effort needs to be focused is another question entirely. UNTHA UK’s managing director Marcus Brew explains: “When it comes to making national progress towards targets such as this, it’s a classic case of the need for collective input. Improvements are perhaps needed across many areas, but the crucial thing is that people acknowledge the role they play, on an individual level.
“Local authorities undoubtedly need to help drive the push for positive change. I know there are budget cuts and communication isn’t easy, but households need to realise the importance of ‘doing their bit’. There’s also the collection and disposal debate to consider, extended producer responsibilities and factors surrounding organic waste. The list goes on. But, I would agree with the majority of our poll participants. It will take effort, but 50% by 2020 is still within reach.”
We’ll have a keen eye on the headlines as the rest of 2017 unfolds, to see what Defra plans to do to help get the UK back on track. Thank you to all who shared their opinion in this January research.
This month, UNTHA UK’s online poll looks at which area of recycling and waste management is likely to pack the biggest punch. In other words, when we reach the end of 2017 and industry experts are reviewing which sector has made the biggest impact, what will they say?
In will only take 10 seconds to participate in this February survey – share your thoughts here.