Glass Recycling Report 2004 - Towards Sustainable Development

Glass recycling in the UK has reached a critical point according to a new report from trade federation British Glass.

'The Glass Recycling Report 2004 - Towards Sustainable Development' outlines the current state of glass recycling, the achievements of the industry to date and the significant challenges ahead.

The trade federation says there has never been a more challenging time for glass recycling. Despite strong demand for recycled glass, stable prices and government funding direct to local authorities for expanded collection infrastructure, many glass packaging manufacturers still cannot access all the recycled glass they could use.

Andrew Hartley, British Glass director of strategy and communications said: "Demand for glass is being driven by the Packaging & Packaging Waste regulations, which requires the UK to recycle 60 per cent of all glass bottles and jars by 2008.

"With 2.3 million tonnes of glass in the waste stream this means we have to recycle 1.4 million tonnes by 2008. Last year the UK recycled around 875,000 tonnes but it has taken over 25 years to reach this level."

He added: "Clearly the UK has to move forward more rapidly. To reach the target we have to increase glass recycling by more than 120,000 tonnes each year for the next five years."

"It is vital that collection infrastructure continues expanding, glass banks, kerbside collections and increased glass recycling from pubs and clubs are all necessary. Kerbside and commercial collections are real opportunities as they produce significantly more clear glass," said Mr Hartley.

The glass industry has the capacity to recycle more than one million tonnes of glass back into containers each year using current technology. While recycling glass into new containers is the best environmental use for glass, other viable markets will be essential if the UK is to reach the 2008 target. More than this, a balanced approach will be required, with an open and pragmatic approach being taken which allows alternative markets to develop but focusing them on green glass. This is one of the many challenges for WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) and the glass packaging industry is actively supporting where possible.