Print
PDF

Written by Vicki White | 28 January 2009
Posted in News - News from RFW

Recycling continues to be the best option

There have been some reports in this week's media have suggested that recycling adds to global warming, rather than tackling it. WRAP (Government backed Waste and Recycling Action Programme) have released a statement clearing stating that the reports are misleading and factually incorrect.

Below is a press release from WRAP explaining why recycling your waste is still the best option.

If you have any more questions please contact Wiltshire County Council on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01225 713000

Dr Liz Goodwin, CEO WRAP said:

“Today’s reports threaten the environmental benefits currently being delivered by the public through the UK’s recycling schemes.”

“WRAP’s independent research carried out by internationally recognised experts, has shown that across the board recycling is the best environmental option. It is when recycling is not an option that recovery of energy from waste can contribute to a balanced energy policy.”

“Recycling is good for the environment, saves energy, reduces raw material extraction and helps combats climate change.”

The Waste for England 2007 strategy, supported by WRAP, outlines that waste to landfill should be reduced to 25% by increasing recycling to 50% and energy from waste facilities to 25% by 2020.

WRAP research shows that:

  • The 8.6 million tonnes of paper the UK recycled here and abroad last year has saved the equivalent of 11 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to taking 3.6 million cars off the road.
  • Selling the UK’s used plastic bottles and paper for recycling in China actually saves carbon emissions. Shipping these materials more than 10,000 miles produces less CO2 than sending them to landfill at home and using brand new materials. (2008 CO2 Impact of Export Report).
  • More energy is saved by recycling plastics than is gained by burning them. Recycling saves 2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per tonne of plastic in comparison to incineration. (2008 Life Cycle Analysis of Management Options for Mixed Waste Plastics).
  • In 83% of circumstances, recycling paper, card, glass, plastics and metals was preferable to any other waste management option. Recycling these items is currently estimated to save over 18 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent green house gas emissions. (2006 Environmental Benefits of Recycling, and Waste for England 2007).
"Around two thirds of households now recycle as a way of life. The message to householders is that recycling is delivering great environmental benefits and there is absolutely no reason for them to stop,” said Dr Liz Goodwin.