The truth about plastic recycling in the UK

Understanding the scale of plastic production and waste

Plastic production has grown exponentially over the past century, with the UK contributing significantly to the global plastic footprint. In 2021, the UK generated around 5.2 million tonnes of plastic waste. Despite our extensive recycling infrastructure, only about 46.2% of plastic packaging waste was recycled. This highlights the challenges we face in managing plastic waste, and how much we need to continue doing our little bit to contribute to the global challenge we face.

Plastic is everywhere because it's cheap, durable and versatile.

However, these very qualities are what make it difficult to recycle. Plastics come in various types and forms, each with its own recycling process. Some, like PET bottles, are more straightforward to recycle, while others, such as mixed plastics or items contaminated with food, pose significant challenges.

How is plastic supposed to be recycled?

In theory, recycling plastic involves collecting, sorting and reprocessing it into new products. Here's a simplified overview of the process:

1. Collection: Plastics are gathered from households, businesses and recycling centres.
2. Sorting: Plastics are then separated by type and colour using both manual and automated methods.
3. Cleaning: Items are washed to remove any contaminants.
4. Shredding: Cleaned plastics are shredded into smaller pieces.
5. Melting: Shredded plastics are melted down and formed into pellets or new shapes.
6. Reforming: These pellets are then used to manufacture new plastic products.

Sounds simple, right?

Not exactly.

Each step of this process faces hurdles. Contaminated or mixed plastics can clog machinery, while certain types of plastic can't be economically recycled. This leads to a significant portion of plastic waste being sent to landfills or incinerated, rather than recycled.

The reality of plastic recycling in the UK

Why most plastic doesn't actually get recycled

Despite our best efforts to recycle, the disappointing reality is that a substantial amount of plastic waste isn't effectively processed. Several factors contribute to this issue:

• Contamination: Food residues, liquids, and other non-recyclable materials can contaminate batches of recyclable plastics, making them non-recyclable.
• Sorting difficulty: The diverse range of plastics used in packaging and products complicates the sorting process, leading to higher rejection rates.
• Economic viability: Recycling certain plastics isn't always economically feasible due to high processing costs and low market demand for recycled materials.
• Export practices: Historically, a significant portion of the UK's plastic waste was exported to countries with less stringent recycling practices. This has decreased due to international restrictions, leading to more plastic being disposed of domestically.

UK recycling statistics: the surprising truth

According to a report by the UK government's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the UK recycled 46.2% of plastic packaging waste in 2021.

However, this statistic includes exported waste, much of which is not processed effectively - Greenpeace UK estimates that only about 9% of the UK’s plastic waste is actually recycled domestically.

As well as this, a significant amount of plastic waste is downcycled rather than recycled. Downcycling involves converting plastic waste into products of lower quality and functionality, which eventually leads to landfill disposal after a single reuse cycle.

Empowering solutions to reduce plastic waste

Don't fear, there's hope!

Despite these challenges, there are many ways we can collectively reduce plastic waste and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

Everyday swaps for a plastic-free lifestyle

Simple swaps in our daily routines can significantly cut down plastic usage. 

We're firm believers in starting small to make a big impact!

• Reusable bottles and cups: Ditch single-use plastic bottles and coffee cups in favour of reusable ones.
• Bamboo toothbrushes: Swap out plastic toothbrushes for bamboo alternatives.
• Beeswax wraps: Replace plastic cling film with reusable beeswax wraps for food storage.
• Solid shampoo bars: Opt for solid shampoo bars instead of plastic bottled liquids.

At Eco Planet Shop, we offer a range of sustainable alternatives that make these swaps easy and convenient.

• Seedball's Bee Mix Tin: Grow beautiful, bee-friendly flowers without plastic packaging.
• Jungle Culture's Safety Razor: Ditch disposable razors for a sustainable shaving solution.
• Friendly Soap's Range of Soap Bars: Enjoy natural vegan ingredients in a range of super scents.
• PlayPress' Eco-Friendly Playsets: Encourage creative play with eco-friendly toys made from recycled materials.

Tips for reusing and repurposing plastic at home

Reusing and repurposing plastic items can also extend their life and reduce waste.

Set yourself a challenge of how any items you can repurpose to increase your impact!

• Storage solutions: Use plastic containers for organising small items around the house. Why not decorate them to jazz things up?
• DIY projects: Transform plastic bottles into plant pots, bird feeders or even fun crafts for kids this summer.
• Eco-bricks: Fill clean, dry plastic bottles with non-recyclable plastic to create eco-bricks for building projects.

While the current state of plastic recycling in the UK has significant challenges, it also opens the door to a world of possibilities for reducing our reliance on plastic.

By making small, thoughtful changes in our daily lives, we can collectively make a substantial impact.

From embracing simple swaps to exploring innovative ways to repurpose plastic, every action counts towards a more sustainable future. Join us at Eco Planet Shop in taking steps to reduce plastic waste and celebrate a greener, cleaner planet.