74% of packaging to be recovered by 2010

New Government targets propose that almost three quarters of the UK’s packaging waste will be recovered by 2010.

The planned targets were confirmed by Defra, who estimate that the plans will result in 285,436 tonnes of saved carbon in 2010 alone.

In 2008 ministers are aiming for 72% of packaging to be recovered. This is to rise to 74% by 2010.

Joan Ruddock, waste minister, said: “Reducing, recovering and recycling packaging is an important way in which business, Government and the consumer can work together to reduce greenhouse gases.

“These increased targets represent our commitment to drive up recycling in Great Britain and tackle dangerous climate change.”

Friends of the Earth has been urging people to email Ms. Ruddock, asking her to increase the proposed targets. They believe the Government has a lot more to do.

Their senior waste and resources campaigner, Dr. Michael Warhurst, said: “It is quite a unique opportunity [to reduce packaging] and basically we say that the Government has thrown that opportunity away as the recycling targets are very low.

“There’s a potential for them to do more. I think the question is whether they have got the nerve.”

Nampak Plastics Europe, a plastics manufacturer which plans to build its own plastics recycling plant in the north east of England, was pleased with the announcement, but said that unless local authorities do more to collect plastics, the targets will not be met.

Nampak’s development director James Crick said: “With only just over half of UK households having kerbside collections for plastics, there is the obvious potential to make subsequent recycling targets more challenging and offer even greater environmental benefits.”