UK aluminium packaging recycling increased 3 per cent in Q2 2024
84,222 tonnes of aluminium packaging collected in first half of 2024, hitting 59 per cent of annual target.
The UK’s aluminium packaging recycling rates have risen by 3 per cent in the second quarter (Q2) of the year compared to the same period in 2023, according to data released on the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD). A total of 45,246 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling during Q2.
Of this total, 29,831 tonnes were collected through kerbside, bring, and on-the-go systems, marking a 4 per cent year-on-year increase. An additional 13,156 tonnes were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA).
The NPWD also reports that 14,936 tonnes of the aluminium packaging were collected and processed within the UK, while 30,310 tonnes were sent overseas for processing and recycling.
| Material | Gross Received (t) | Gross Exported (t) | Gross Total (t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium extracted and processed from IBA (87.5%) | 1,457 | 11,699 | 13,156 |
| Aluminium cans & associated packaging (97.5%) | 13,368 | 16,463 | 29,831 |
| Other (Agreed with local agency office or based on guidance) | 111 | 2,149 | 2,260 |
| Total Aluminium | 14,936 | 30,310 | 45,246 |
Table 1 - Waste Accepted/Exported by Agreed Protocols (NPWD)
Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented: “Despite a year of disruptions, delays and political change, it’s positive to see that aluminium packaging recycling volumes have continued to increase. This is particularly impressive considering the growth of material tonnage placed on the market so far in 2024.”
Future targets
So far in Q1 and Q2 of 2024, 84,222 tonnes of aluminium packaging have been collected for recycling in the UK, making up 59 per cent of the annual target of 140,431 tonnes.
Giddings added: “If we continue at this pace, there’s no reason why the industry can’t surpass targets and once again achieve record rates. This success reflects national behavioural change and consumer proactivity when it comes to aluminium packaging recycling, driven in the main by creative initiatives and incentives from across the supply chain.”
With Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations set to be introduced in 2025, aluminium packaging recycling rates are expected to further increase.
Giddings suggests that EPR’s goal of stabilising PRN prices will be particularly important in increasing recycling rates: “As usual, the only sting in the tail comes in the form of fluctuating PRN prices, which remain excessively high and therefore have the potential to derail progress over the coming months. Moving forward, EPR reform will prove pivotal to removing this as a common obstacle and supporting the industry’s continued progress. This, alongside wider policy progress (such as the introduction of a variable rate deposit return scheme) will build momentum towards achieving the long-term goal of a 100 per cent aluminium packaging recycling rate for the UK.”
