In attempt to simplify the recycling process at home, the UK announced in January 2020 it will adopt new labelling rules using words like ‘Recycle’ or ‘Don’t Recycle’ on products. However, in the meantime, there is more we can be doing as consumers to avoid adding to the pile of rubbish and problems. Governments and industries are trying to get to grips with the colossal waste management issues we face by developing circular economies to eliminate waste and designing more environmentally friendly packaging. The natural environment includes our waterways, and scientists have quoted approximately 8 million metrics of plastic enter the oceans each year. On a worldwide scale, as of 2015, approximately 6300 metric tonnes of plastic waste had been generated, with about 9% being recycled, 12% incinerated, and 79% accumulating in landfills or the natural environment. Unfortunately, the plastic problem spans EU countries as well with most countries recycling between 20-40% of their plastics.

In terms of materials, in the US paper and paperboard boast higher rates with 66% recycled along with 27% of glass and a mere 8% of plastic.

The biggest recycler in the EU was Germany at 56%.

In the same year, the UK produced 26.8 million tonnes with a recycling rate of 45%. It’s fair to say that the world’s largest economies should be doing their bit when it comes to recycling, although in 2017 the US generated a staggering 267.8 million tonnes of municipal solids waste and reported recycling only 35% of it.

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