A new, independent report from the consulting team at Reconomy Group company, Valpak for British Glass has shown in no uncertain terms why glass packaging must be collected and recycled through an improved, consistent kerbside scheme as proposed within Defra's recent extended producer responsibility (EPR) and consistency of collection consultations, and not through a deposit return scheme (DRS).
The report found that an improved, consistent kerbside scheme is better for the environment than a deposit return scheme, delivering at least 11% more carbon savings (over 2 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2035) as well as achieving a higher glass collection rate of close to 90% whereas DRS anticipates a collection rate of just 85% and is limited to drinks containers. DRS is likely to reduce the collection rate for non-beverage glass packaging, such as jam jars and condiment bottles which make up nearly a third of all glass containers, since they are excluded from DRS schemes.
The report is based on data from the Welsh Government blueprint model for glass collection, which has been proven to successfully deliver a glass collection rate of close to 90%. It shows that recycling all glass packaging through improved, consistent kerbside collections (as outlined in Defra's current proposals for a well-designed EPR scheme and funded via the principal of 'producer pays') is the most effective and efficient recycling solution for glass, both in terms of environmental impact and convenience for households. The data, being based on the proven Welsh Government Blueprint model can be considered more reliable than data projected from a theoretical DRS.
An improved kerbside collection scheme would increase closed-loop glass recycling, creating a truly circular economy, with more collected glass being recycled back into packaging and not being 'down-cycled' into aggregate. It would also keep all glass packaging in a single waste stream, making it easier for consumers to recycle.
The report asserts that DRS is a system for collecting bottles and cans, it is not a recycling system and contains no targets for recycling aback into new packaging, unlike EPR.
The report also acknowledges the need for obligated businesses under EPR to cover the cost of collecting litter. However, it is reasonable to assume that by achieving a c.90% glass collection rate, less glass will become litter.
Looking at the evidence gained from 9 Welsh Councils using the Welsh Government Blueprint the report looks at the carbon savings to be made and supports the idea of remelt targets which it explains is essential in helping the glass sector to decarbonise.
The report concludes: The glass sector is committed to achieving a collection rate of 90% but collections alone will not deliver the best environmental outcomes for glass recycling. A remelt target is vital, and the scheme must drive forward greater glass to glass recycling. We are the only industry asking for more obligated targets, not fewer, because we firmly believe that to create the best recycling system for glass packaging, one that is best for the environment, glass must remain as part of EPR, not a DRS.
John Coates, LARAC Interim CEO comments:
“British Glass have published a briefing paper on the proposed DRS. They evidence why the proposed scheme will deliver less volume of quality glass than reinvigorated kerbside collections from households and businesses which could be delivered under the new consistent collections policy.
They comment that a DRS without a remelt target, which kerbside collected will retain, will just result in chasing collection targets with more glass being broken and ending up fit only for aggregate which is not what is desired under closed loop and circular economy principles.
LARAC sees this as more support for our policy position of preferring the deferral of DRS until the changes from EPR and consistent collections have had chance to bed in and achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes to help inform the final decision on DRS.”
