The downturn in recycling markets
'Waste not want not' is an adage that predates modern green thinking. But when it comes to recycling, what if the want just isn't there?
This is an issue exercising the minds of council officers up and down the country as demand for recycled materials has taken a serious hit. It has led to a steep drop in prices and in some cases, difficulty finding buyers. More worryingly though, it has led to some sceptical voices in the mainstream media questioning whether it is actually worth recycling at all.
Their argument follows that if prices for recycled materials have fallen by so much, then is it still worth collecting the stuff? Waste Watch and all those who work in the industry must vigorously challenge this view, and demonstrate to the sceptics that the answer is a resounding 'yes'.
In supporting this, it is vital that councils continue to provide the same level of recycling service as they have before. It has taken years of hard work to change public behaviour to reach current levels of recycling and any changes in service, even temporary ones, will cause confusion and a huge loss in public good will.
Secondly, it is important that people within the industry, including councils are proactive in communicating positively and consistently with the public about what happens to their recycling once it has been collected. If materials have been stored, it is important that local authorities explain to the local media that this material will eventually be recycled when prices increase. Similarly, local authorities should scotch any untrue rumours about recyclate going to landfill or being incinerated.
Finally, it is important to remind people that what is collected for recycling is not rubbish, it is a resource. Like steel, rubber or gold, recyclate is the raw material for a manufacturing process and prices have fallen in line with commodity prices, which was bound to happen eventually. Oil prices have also fallen steeply but nobody is suggesting we should switch off the wells!
This downturn is a challenge and has perhaps shaken the sector more than might be expected. The national media coverage around the drop in recyclate prices can be seen as a reminder that there are still many out there that need convincing, or even re-convincing about recycling. But we need to stand firm in the knowledge that we are doing the right thing and must express this to the public in bold, honest and consistent terms: Recycling is worth it!
