UK recycles 157,049 tonnes of aluminium packaging in 2024

According to annual data published on the National Packaging Waste Database by the Environment Agency, the UK recycled an impressive 157,049 tonnes of aluminium packaging in 2024.

Despite a fast-growing domestic market, capture rates more than kept up with pace. Indeed, 114,462 tonnes were recycled through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems, while 41,635 tonnes were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA). Elsewhere, 952 tonnes were recycled through other sources.

With an obligation of 151,281 tonnes and a carry-in of 2,811 tonnes, a surplus of PRNs for 8,579 tonnes saw the UK once again surpass the obligation target.

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, said: I’m delighted to report another excellent year for aluminium packaging recycling. While the recycling rate for beverage cans maintained an impressive 81%, the number of PRNs issued for all aluminium packaging was also one of the highest ever recorded.

For the past 20 years, we’ve been investing heavily in optimising our collection and recycling infrastructure. A consistently high recycling rate demonstrates that we’re reaping the rewards of this long-term commitment.

As we move further forward into 2025, robust policy is key to delivering continued progress. Accelerating the roll-out of a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and formalising Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is key to inspiring record-breaking rates in the future. Comprehensive reform of the PRN system must also be seen as a critical part of this drive.

By doing so, we can further improve best practice waste management behaviours and drive a continued uplift in capture and recycling rates.

For more information about Alupro, or its MetalMatters and Every Can Counts behavioural change programmes, visit www.alupro.org.uk.

To access the latest aluminium packaging recycling data, visit the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD).