Archived press release

Nine out of ten people would recycle - so why does UK languish at bottom of euro recycling league?

28 May 2002

So why does UK languish at bottom of euro-recycling league?

Friends of the Earth today called on the Government to tackle the nation's growing waste crisis by introducing a new law requiring local authorities to provide doorstep recycling for every household. The call follows a new survey, published today by the Environment Agency, which reveals that nine out of ten people in England and Wales would recycle more waste if it was made easier [1]. But without adequate recycling facilities, says FOE, the UK will continue to be one of Europe's worst recyclers.

The UK is facing a growing waste crisis.

The UK currently languishes near the bottom of the European recycling league table. Only around 11 % of the UK's 28 million tonnes of domestic waste produced annually is recycled. This compares badly with neighbours such as Switzerland (52%), Austria (49.7%), Germany (48%) and the Netherlands (46%).

In April the Environment Agency warned that space for burying rubbish in the south east could run out within seven years. Northern Ireland is already exporting some of its household waste to Scotland for landfill.

The Government's waste strategy is unambitious. It wants 30% of domestic waste to be recycled by 2010. FOE is calling for the target to be increased to 50% by 2010.

Mounting waste, poor recycling rates and rapidly filling landfill sites are leading more waste authorities to push for waste incineration. Many community groups around the country are opposing incineration proposals because of concerns about the risk to health and the environmental impact. Incinerators need waste, which could otherwise be recycled, to make them economically viable.

Friends of the Earth is campaigning for a new law for mandatory doorstep recycling. A Parliamentary Motion supporting a doorstep scheme for every household (EDM 186) has already been signed by more than 200 MPs. It also has official support from both the Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties. If the Government fails to act, FOE will work with MPs that wish to introduce a new recycling law as a Private Members Bill later this year.

Mike Childs, Waste Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said

"The UK is facing a massive waste crisis. Waste is increasing, landfill sites are running out and incineration is deeply unpopular because of the threat it poses to health and the environment. The Government has failed to properly address this issue. We need action and we need it now.

"Today's survey makes it clear that people are willing to recycle, provided they have adequate facilities. The best way to reach the recycling levels obtained by many of our European neighbours is to provide every household with doorstep recycling. The Government must change the law so that recycling is as easy as putting the rubbish out. "

Notes

1. EA Press Release (23 May 2002)

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust