With the Government taking a much wider focus on recycling and improving these rates across local authorities in the UK, it is beginning to implement new reforms and household collections. In just a few weeks’ time, the next stage of DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling will be introduced, involving mandatory kerbside food waste collectionfrom households in England.
But why stop there? Just 12 months later, the next new recycling reform will be ready for implementation, another new waste collection for our residents – The Flexible Plastics Collection.
But what is ‘Flexible Plastics Collections’ (Flex-Collect)?
The Flexible Packaging Collections, introduced in 2027, will aim to change how we dispose of the formerly ‘unrecyclable’ plastics for good. Under the new reforms, local authorities will be required to collect a broader range of flexible packaging at the kerbside. This means items like crisp packets, bread bags, bubble wrap and food pouches will be collected alongside paper, metal and glass. These items currently have a low recycling rate (around 6-8% in the UK), and whilst they are recycled at UK collection points in some facilities, such as supermarkets, these are limited and often either forgotten about or an inconvenient method of disposal.
How the New Reforms Will Help?
The hope is that, by introducing this new collection for the typically ‘unrecyclable’ plastics, we can raise the 6-8% recycling rates, higher and higher, reducing impacts on landfill and as such the ecosystem. The reforms include investment in sorting technology that can more efficiently identify and separate different types of flexible plastics. Once sorted, the material can be recycled into new products such as composite boards, heavy-duty sacks or even new packaging. This will reduce the strain on manufacturing new products, the levels of waste going to landfill and improve recycling rates across the UK.
Central to these changes is the move towards Extended Producer Responsibility. That means manufacturers and brands will take greater responsibility for the end of life of their packaging. They will help fund collection and recycling infrastructure so the burden does not fall entirely on councils or households.
What does Flexible Plastics Collections Mean for Local Authorities
If your a local authority, this will be a new collection to introduce within your household waste stream. Typically, during the successful trials, offering your residents a uniquely coloured waste sack to collect their flexible plastics has been a highly successful strategy. By choosing the right method of collection, you can keep your soft plastics neatly contained, ready for recycling. This helps councils manage collections more efficiently and supports the UK move towards a more circular economy. With practical products and knowledgeable advice, we are here to help you make the most of the upcoming Flexible Packaging Collections.