According to figures (pending confirmation) from DEFRA, the UK has hit its targets for the recovery & recycling of packaging waste. Currently thought to stand at 53.6%, the UK is well within its target of 50-65% overall recovery, with specific materials also holding their own. Glass recycling was the only material to suffer a drop, falling half a percent from 2001, to 32.5%, while across the materials an overall 5.5% increase was achieved, rising in step with the 5.7% recovery increase. Increases in wood & plastics sectors are 26.6 & 6.7% respectively. This has added fuel to allegations that in some cases PRNs have been issued for waste which was not packaging, or for tonnages which had already been covered by a PRN. Michael Meacher, Environment Minister, has called for investigations into the allegations. For full UK packaging details see: www.defra.gov.uk
