This happens because waste streams may include materials for which there are no recycling outlets – perhaps they are too new, or they can’t be separated out – or there is organic matter contained within the waste. This means this mixed residual waste is therefore headed down one of two routes – landfill or energy from waste.
In terms of improving recycling rates – at the front end, products must be designed with materials that can be easily separated and recycled. As consumers, we must look to buy products that have the ability to be recycled and dispose of our waste correctly. As a waste industry, we need improved recycling infrastructure.
