WRAP Statement on the BBC's Real Story Programme
WRAP (the Waste & Resources Programme), which works with UK-based reprocessors to boost our ability to incorporate recycled materials into UK products, has moved to reassure the public that separating rubbish for recycling is worthwhile following a BBC report about the alleged dumping of rubbish overseas.
Welcoming the fact that the Environment Agency has announced ongoing investigations into illegal exports, Jennie Price, WRAP's Chief Executive, went on to add:
"There is no doubt that when rubbish is actually recycled, there are very real environmental benefits. Recycling conserves raw materials and saves energy, and also reduces our reliance on landfill sites, where rotting rubbish emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas."
"Recycling is one simple way in which we can all make a difference, and more and more people are doing it regularly. Local councils and the Environment Agency need to play their part by making sure that what is put out for recycling genuinely gets recycled. In this way, we can all use the growing number of recycling services available to us with confidence."
This is particularly important as the UK's recycling performance is steadily improving, and we are now recycling almost a quarter of our household waste. WRAP also points out that there are many recycling plants in the UK, reprocessing millions of tonnes of material every year. In recent years, our ability to use recycled materials in the UK has grown rapidly. For example:
- all the newsprint manufactured in the UK is now made from 100% recycled paper; and
- almost all the glass we recycle is used by British companies to produce new bottles and jars, as well as many other useful products.
For more examples, and details of WRAP’s other work, log on to www.wrap.org.uk. For more information on recycling, including your nearest recycling facilities, visit www.recyclenow.com
Editor's notes:
- WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) is a major UK programme established to promote resource efficiency. Its particular focus is on creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products and removing the barriers to waste minimisation, re-use and recycling.
- A not-for-profit company, WRAP is backed by substantial Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Under its current Business Plan 2004-06, WRAP is running fifteen programmes. Twelve of them relate to market development, comprising nine material streams (Paper, Plastics, Glass, Wood, Organics, Aggregates, Tyres, Batteries and Plasterboard) and three generic areas (Business & Finance, Procurement, and Regional Market Development). Three further programmes relate to the wider resource efficiency remit - Collections, Communications and Awareness, and Waste Minimisation.
- More information on all of WRAP’s programmes can be found at www.wrap.org.uk. More information an recycling can be found at www.recyclenow.com
Gareth Lloyd
Director of Communications
WRAP,
The Old Academy,
21 Horse Fair,
Banbury
OX16 0AH
Tel: 01295 819679
gareth.lloyd@wrap.org.uk
Press Office
Media Relations Manager
WRAP,
The Old Academy,
21 Horse Fair,
Banbury
OX16 0AH
Tel: 01295 819928
press.office@wrap.org.uk
