We have recently had Recycling Week and what better time to reflect on the impact recycling has had, the possibilities it continues to offer, and future legislation changes.
It’s a hot topic and it can feel like it’s always in the news, however, Recycling is nothing new and can be dated back to the Roman Empire. Fast forward to 2001 and the first recycling law was passed by UK government, the EU’s End of Life Vehicles Directive. Since then, recycling, waste reduction and resource efficiency has been encouraged and implemented through various schemes such as taxes and Acts developed by DEFRA.
In 2018, 62% of the UKs waste originated from demolition, excavation works and other building site waste such as packaging from goods and consumables, as reported by Defra[1]. The Environmental Act 2021 aims to bring tougher regulations and targets of waste reduction and resource efficiency. PPE is essential for safeguarding workers in the building trade. Items such as helmets, gloves, masks, and high-visibility clothing are crucial for ensuring safety on site. However, the downside is that much of this equipment is made from non-biodegradable materials, which can contribute to landfill waste when discarded improperly.
Recycling PPE not only helps reduce waste but also conserves resources. Many PPE items are made from plastics and textiles that can be repurposed, thereby lowering the demand for new materials. This is especially important in the construction industry, where the environmental impact is significant. As a supplier of PPE, a notoriously ‘hard-to-recycle’ commodity of the industry, we are working hard to find innovative ways in which used PPE can be safely and securely disposed of, though it does come with its challenges:
- Contamination: Used PPE often becomes contaminated with hazardous substances, making it difficult to recycle safely. This presents a challenge for recycling facilities, which must adhere to strict safety regulations.
- Lack of Awareness: Many workers in the building trade are unaware of how to dispose of PPE correctly. This lack of knowledge can lead to improper disposal methods, further exacerbating the waste issue.
- Limited Recycling Facilities: While recycling programs are expanding, there are still limited facilities specifically designed to handle PPE. This can make it difficult for construction companies to find responsible disposal options.
Through our new PPE Recycling Scheme we’re trying to give products a second life. The outcome of the recycling process depends on the type of product, type of material and the condition of the product. Where possible, clothing and other textiles are sorted into material type, shredded, and re-spun to be used back in the textile industry. Textiles that cannot be re-spun are used to create other products such as relief/moving blankets, underlay and insulation.
Hard hats are shredded into 10mm chips and separated into different plastic polymers. Once separated, these are melted down into plastic pellets to be reused creating new plastic products.
Our shoe recycling offers 100% breakdown of footwear into its constituent materials. Insole foams can be reused to create yoga mats, midsoles or flip-flops; rubber soles can be reused to create playgrounds, sports flooring or further outsoles. Any other materials from the recycling process are used to create point-of-sale materials and versatile boards from which a multitude of products can be created.
Each of our recycling providers sort through the waste they receive and remove any company logos and insignias. Anything removed will be shredded and incinerated to protect our customers’ brand assets. Through the sorting process, any products that cannot be recycled due to heavy soiling, will be sent for incineration. Each provider will do their upmost to recycle everything possible, however, on occasion the sustainable option is incineration
What does the future hold for recycling?
The recycling and waste arena is constantly evolving with new regulations and innovations. As a responsible supplier we will continue to evolve our recycling offer as new technology allows for improved recycling. In the meantime, here are some new regulations already in the pipeline…
Reform to current business waste collections. From 31st March 2025, businesses in England with 10+ FTE will be responsible for the separation of relevant recyclable waste, including food waste. This new legislation will continue to allow for Dry Mixed Recycling to be collected together (paper, plastic, glass etc), but will require the separation of food from general waste.
Deposit Return Scheme. The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) proposed for the UK is designed to encourage recycling and reduce litter by requiring consumers to pay a small deposit when purchasing certain drinks in bottles or cans. When the containers are returned to designated collection points, consumers receive their deposit back. Key features of the scheme include:
- Targeted Containers: Initially focuses on plastic bottles and aluminium cans, with plans to expand to other materials over time.
- Environmental Impact: Aims to significantly increase recycling rates, reduce litter, and promote sustainable waste management practices.
- Support for Local Communities: The scheme is designed to involve local councils and community groups, providing them with opportunities for funding through collection points.
Overall, the DRS is a significant step towards a more circular economy in the UK, promoting responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.
