Resources

Produced in association with RECOUP this guide provides and highlights priority issues reported by those sorting and reprocessing rigid plastic packaging, together with solutions.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a type of resin and a form of polyester; it is commonly labelled with the code on or near the bottom of bottles and other containers. PET has some important characteristics such its strength, thermo-stability, gas barrier properties and transparency. It is also lightweight, shatter-resistant and recyclable.

This guidance provides detailed advice and practical examples on approaches for measuring food waste in effluent streams, primarily for food producers and manufacturers, supporting delivery of the UK’s Food Waste Reduction Roadmap.

Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) have a key role to play in the creation of high-quality/high-value recyclate streams that can be used as feedstock materials by a range of industries. The implementation of effective Quality Management Systems (QMS) can support this through consistency of approach, risk management and commercial differentiation.

Re-use occurs when items are used again for their original purpose. It can involve checking, cleaning and repairing items before they are passed on to a new owner. Local authorities can develop services to facilitate re-use or support existing re-use organisations and community groups to deliver their own activities.

Effective communications will be tailored to suit different stakeholder groups and their different behaviours and motivations. Local authorities should work with local partners to push out communications and use national brands to build awareness on key waste prevention issues.

Planning and estimating potential diversion

This section describes two basic steps that should be completed by a local authority in the initial stages of planning a waste prevention programme. It is important to understand the nature of the waste collected before an estimation of the impact of specific waste prevention activities is made.

Galvanising the entire plastics value chain around a common roadmap for flexible plastic packaging. 

New guidance addresses the confusion over compostable plastic packaging giving retailers and manufacturers the tools to make the right decisions when considering using compostable plastic. 

This document is intended to answer the most frequently asked questions that relate to the key elements of the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap and support its implementation. These are based on feedback gathered during the consultation process with the UK food and drink industry during 2018.

This guidance is intended to help local authorities maximise the benefit that they obtain for the dry recyclables collected as part of their provision of waste services.