UK aluminium packaging recycling up 3%

Recent data from the National Packaging Waste Database, published by the Environment Agency, reveals that aluminium packaging recycling in the UK grew by 3% in Q2 compared to the same period in 2023. The sector appears to be on course to surpass annual recycling targets once again.

A total of 45,246 tonnes of aluminium packaging was recycled, with 29,831 tonnes collected via kerbside, bring, and on-the-go systems—an increase of 4% year over year. An additional 13,156 tonnes were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA).

For the year 2024 so far, 84,222 tonnes of aluminium packaging have been recycled in the UK, amounting to 59% of the annual target of 140,431 tonnes. The current recycling performance suggests the market is well-positioned to achieve strong recycling rates for the fourth consecutive year.

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented: Despite a year of disruptions, delays and political change, it’s positive to see that aluminium packaging recycling volumes have continued to increase. This is particularly impressive considering the growth of material tonnage placed on the market so far in 2024.

If we continue at this pace, there’s no reason why the industry can’t surpass targets and once again achieve record rates. This success reflects national behavioural change and consumer proactivity when it comes to aluminium packaging recycling, driven in the main by creative initiatives and incentives from across the supply chain.

As usual, the only sting in the tail comes in the form of fluctuating PRN prices, which remain excessively high and therefore have the potential to derail progress over the coming months. Moving forward, EPR reform will prove pivotal to removing this as a common obstacle and supporting the industry’s continued progress. This, alongside wider policy progress (such as the introduction of a variable rate deposit return scheme) will build momentum towards achieving the long-term goal of a 100% aluminium packaging recycling rate for the UK.In the meantime, it’s essential that consumers continue to follow best practice recycling guidance, and that educational initiatives, such as our MetalMatters and Every Can Counts programmes, continue to expand in order to inspire positive national recycling behaviours.