A survey of schemes in the United Kingdom collecting plastic bottles for recycling

Abstract

Abstract The Environment Act imposes a legal requirement for plastic packaging to be recycled. Recycling of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles is expected to make a significant contribution to the Environment Act's national target of 15% recycling of plastic packaging waste by 2001. This paper summarises the findings of a national survey of local authority post-consumer plastic bottle recycling schemes conducted at the end of 1997, establishing an overview of UK activity. Areas investigated include; the type, distribution and efficacy of schemes. Survey results are considered in the light of experience in the UK and abroad. Whilst plastic bottle recycling has grown rapidly since 1990, projections based on current recycling rates and local authority plans suggest that further assistance will be required for the 2001 target to be met.