Knowledge gaps and policy inertia stall UK's circular economy ambitions

Poor understanding of circular economy principles and resistance from vested interests have severely hampered the UK government's efforts to transform waste and resources policy, according to new research from Green Alliance.

The environmental think tank's analysis, based on interviews with former civil servants, parliamentarians and advisers, reveals that England's 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy has largely failed to deliver on its ambitious goals, with nearly all key milestones missed.

"The public want to see an economy where we make the most out of the resources we already have, and this is also critical to meeting the UK's climate and nature commitments. Yet virtually nothing changed after the last government promised to transform the country's resource use and minimise waste five years ago," said Libby Peake, head of resources at Green Alliance.

Systemic barriers to change

The report identifies three major barriers that prevented meaningful progress. First, a fundamental lack of knowledge about circular economy principles pervades government. A former civil servant revealed that even explaining basic concepts to the Treasury proved challenging, noting they "first had to explain why circular economy wasn't a dirty word."

Secondly, lobbying from established interests has actively blocked reform. A former Defra civil servant disclosed that "the most powerful people, the people who get the ear of the deputy directors or ministers, are most likely to be the waste industry." This industry influence has kept policy focused on waste management rather than waste prevention.

The research also found that politicians often misunderstand public attitudes, incorrectly assuming voters would resist stronger environmental measures. This contradicts evidence showing 60 per cent of people would support a shift toward resource efficiency even if it changed their lifestyle.

Failed delivery on key promises

The analysis documents systematic failure to deliver on the strategy's commitments. Key examples include:

• The deposit return scheme, originally promised for 2023, now delayed until 2027
• Missed 50 per cent recycling rate target for household waste, achieving only 44 per cent by 2020
• Failed to remove single-use plastics from central government estate
• No action taken on mandatory food waste reporting despite widespread support
• Delayed implementation of extended producer responsibility for packaging

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has acknowledged these shortcomings and promised a new approach, stating that a zero waste economy would bring "benefit after benefit after benefit."

To succeed where previous administrations failed, Green Alliance recommends:

• Avoiding abstract terminology and connecting circular economy benefits to people's daily lives
• Cultivating diverse champions across business and parliament beyond "lone voices"
• Securing early policy wins while maintaining focus on long-term transformation
• Developing clear targets and frameworks similar to climate change planning

"The new government has great ambitions, but to succeed where the last government failed, they'll need to avoid using abstract language and connect with people's daily concerns. They should grasp some quick wins to prove things can change, as they develop a long term strategy to transform the economy," concluded Peake.