Recycling targets

A new report on the impact of recycling targets has been released by the European Environmental Bureau and Friends of the Earth Europe.

The report reveals that if European recycling targets for municipal waste were set at 50 per cent, there could be huge CO2 savings over the next ten years. By 2020, an emissions equivalent of more than 89 million tonnes of CO2 could be saved per year. This would be the same as taking 31 million cars off the roads. These new findings build on a 2006 UK report by WRAP, which established that most studies showed recycling to be better for the climate than incineration.

Five EU countries have already achieved the 50 per cent recycling rate for municipal solid waste. Many other countries, including the UK, have set similar targets. However, when it comes to business waste, the UK has not set any targets for recycling.

Dr Michael Warhurst, Senior Waste Campaigner for Friends of the Earth, commented: "Recycling our waste helps to tackle climate change, and targets are the best way to make sure recycling really happens across Europe. This study shows the massive potential benefits of targets for municipal waste. Friends of the Earth's analysis shows that it is crucial that targets for business waste are also agreed. The UK Government must support and implement these targets if it is to follow through on its vision of a low-carbon economy."