From landfill tax increases to recycling targets, we have explored various recycling statistics for 2024. These stats represent schemes to increase recycling targets in the UK, along with clear markings of how the recycling industry is moving in the coming years.
5 Recycling Statistics For 2024
In 2024, the overall packaging recycling business target stood at 80%.
Businesses that handle a certain annual volume of packaging are required to recycle a defined percentage of the packaging commercialised. This is in accordance with the UK’s packaging producers guidance.
Whilst the overall packaging recycling business target stood at 80%, steel packaging had the highest target, at 87%.
The standard rate of landfill tax will increase to £126.15 per tonne (from £103.70) and the lower rate will increase to £4.05 per tonne (from £3.30).
As part of the Spring 2024 Budget, HM Treasury announced the landfill tax rates for England and Northern Ireland from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 will be adjusted to push organisations to manage waste sustainably and recycle more. Increasing landfill tax rates in line with RPI also means that the tax can continue to help the government meet its environmental objectives.
The government are committed to halving all residual waste (that sent to landfill, incinerated or used in energy recovery) excluding major mineral waste produced per person in England by the end of 2042.
This news was referenced in the Environmental Improvement Plan, who shared that in 2022/23, almost 50% of waste collected by local authorities in England was sent for treatment at waste incineration facilities.
Statistics published by Defra on the 31st of January 2024 have shown that England’s recycling rate fell by 0.8 percentage points to 43.3% in 2022/23.
The fall in recycling rates across the UK presents the need for new recycling initiatives, better waste management infrastructures, and encouragement across local authorities. Whilst the numbers have dropped, the importance of recycling is becoming more prominent than ever.
From 1st April 2024, the rate of Plastic Packaging Tax will be increasing to £217.85 per tonne, up from £210.82 per tonne.
This increase is in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) and took effect from the 1st of April 2024. Raising the Plastic Packaging Tax aims to encourage businesses to use recycled plastic while manufacturing plastic packaging. This will help to divert waste from incineration, increase recycling rates and reduce harm to the environment.
How Will Recycling Change In 2025 And Beyond?
Whilst we can see various changes being made in a bid to increase recycling rates for the UK, as businesses and individuals, we can be doing our part to make a difference. At Plastic Expert, we help businesses of all types recycle plastic, cardboard, WEEE and hazardous waste. By booking a collection with our team, your business can cut their carbon footprint, increase recycling rates and divert waste from harming our planet.
