UK needs to develop stronger policies in waste management

The European Commission has decided to scrap its circular economy package which targeted 70% recycling by 2030 for a more ambitious plan to be released later this year according wide-spread reports.

However, it might not be the best approach for UK to blindly follow the EU regulations as the waste produced and the way it is dealt with is different between UK and the other EU member states. UK must create its own policies that suit its requirements better.

Under the circular economy package, the targets for recycling in Europe were 70% for municipal waste by 2030, 80% recycling and reuse rate for packaging waste and 90% for ferrous metals, aluminium and glass by 2030 among others.

UK industry is ready to meet these targets if not surpass them if the government reacts positively by increasing investment in waste infrastructure. Government Red Tapeism acts to slow down the investment.

The government has taken some steps towards strengthening the waste management structure but more needs to be done in terms of investment and education regarding reuse and recycling to make sure that UK sees a good future in waste management.