Resource Use

‘Together We Recycle’ themed Recycle Week 2020 begins

After this most challenging of years with everyone of us having to go beyond the call of duty to contain the coronavirus, the public deserves some recognition. This year, Recycle Week 2020 will celebrate the British public’s commitment to recycling during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Run by Recycle Now, the UK’s national recycling scheme, the 17th Recycle Week (21-27 September 2020) will thank UK households for continuing to recycle during lockdown under the banner ‘Together – We Recycle’.

Recycle Week 2020Despite the challenging circumstances, statistics gathered by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) have found that nearly nine in ten households say that they 'regularly recycle'.

On top of this, more of the public now feel ready to change their lifestyles to help the environment: 73 per cent, up from 68 per cent in 2019 and 93 per cent of UK households currently agree that ‘everyone has a responsibility to help towards cleaning up the environment’.

The statistics follow research carried out during lockdown and an omnibus survey undertaken in July.

Peter Maddox, Director, WRAP UK, said: “It’s fantastic to see that despite everything that has been thrown at them this year, more people than ever in the UK are taking responsibility for protecting the environment by choosing to recycle. This is something we can all do, wherever we live – an individual action that, when performed by everyone, adds up to a huge change.

“Our recycling and waste workers have been real heroes too, providing the best service possible under the most difficult of circumstances. The recognition they received in the form of friendly waves, notes, cards and gifts left out for them is heart-warming proof of how the nation has pulled together.”

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow added: “Recycling more of our waste lies at the heart of this government’s agenda for creating a cleaner environment. We have a very exciting future ahead for recycling in the UK, and this year’s Recycle Week allows us to celebrate our progress during such a difficult year as well as to look forward to the future.”

This week, historical sites such as the London Eye, The Blackpool Tower and Gateshead Millennium Bridge will turn green to celebrate Recycle Week.

Local councils, businesses and other organisations are getting involved with a range of activities to promote recycling.

In Bristol, there will be an online webinar entitled “Everything you wanted to know about WASTE & RECYCLING… but were afraid to ask!” on Wednesday (23 September). Run by Bristol Waste Company, it aims to educate people about recycling in an accessible way and will feature some of the city’s recycling experts.

In the North of England, Cheshire West and Cheshire Council are encouraging the next generation to be passionate about recycling with a colouring campaign that encourages children to display ‘thank you’ art for the recycling collection staff to see.

On a national scale, L’Oréal Paris Elvive is running a campaign before, during and after Recycle Week, during which 50 pence from each of the first 100,000 bottles of Elvive hair products sold in Boots stores will be donated to Recycle Now.

Meanwhile, waste management company SUEZ recycling and recovery has launched a new suite of educational materials for both primary and secondary students to promote the values of reducing, reusing and recycling among young people. The resources will also promote STEM careers and how studying STEM subjects can support pupils’ career choices.

You can find more information on Recycle Week 2020 on the WRAP website.