The UK plastic recycling industry, valued at an estimated £2 billion and responsible for 5,000 jobs, is on the brink of collapse due to government inaction on a loophole that permits the export of 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste yearly. Investigations reveal that the issue is exacerbating the environmental crisis in countries ill-equipped to manage the influx, particularly Indonesia, which saw a sharp increase in plastic waste imports from the UK amid a national struggle with pollution.

Industry Shutdowns Increase as Exports Surge

The Guardian has uncovered alarming statistics indicating that in just two years, 21 plastic recycling and processing plants across the UK have ceased operations. Industry experts attribute these closures to a combination of factors: the rising volume of exports, the low price of virgin plastic, and an increased influx of inexpensive plastics from Asia. According to data gathered by insiders, plastic waste exports from the UK to developing nations rose by 84% in the first half of 2023 alone, contributing to an unsettling trend termed “waste imperialism.”

The UK’s exports to Indonesia, a country grappling with an environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution, swelled to over 24,000 tonnes in that same timeframe. Overall, Britain exported a total of 317,747 tonnes of plastic waste during the first half of the year, intensifying concerns over the ethical implications and potential environmental hazards posed by such practices.

Environmental Risks and Human Cost

Exporting large quantities of plastic waste to nations that lack adequate processing capabilities heightens both the risk of severe environmental contamination and jeopardizes the safety of waste workers. James Mcleary, managing director of Biffa Polymers, stated that the situation presents a dire challenge for the country as factories close due to overwhelming economic pressures.

Notable closures include Biffa’s Sunderland facility, which could process 39,000 tonnes of high-density polyethylene and polypropylene each year. Three facilities operated by Viridor have also shut down, alongside Vanden Recycling’s site in Whittlesey, Peterborough.

Experts argue that properly managing waste within the UK—cleaning, sorting, and processing it locally—would be more beneficial for the environment, retaining vital carbon within the plastic and fostering job creation.

A Call for Responsible Waste Management

Despite the pressing need for change, policymakers have been slow to implement reforms necessary to curb the export of plastic waste. Mcleary expressed frustration, describing the ongoing export of plastic as an affront to civilized society. He referenced a troubling investigation by ISIG Meclisi, outlining that 200 young people died in Turkey due to unsafe working conditions in the recycling sector, highlighting the dangers associated with the exportation of waste. The UK was identified as the largest exporter of plastic waste to Turkey this year.

According to Mcleary, it is imperative for the UK to take responsibility for its waste. “I don’t want my rubbish to end up in Malaysia,” he emphasized. “There are lines as a civilized society we should not cross – it is not acceptable.”

The Biffa executive called for a “level playing field” that would equalize the competitive environment for domestic plastic recycling. He welcomed the UK’s plastic packaging tax, which penalizes producers who do not incorporate at least 30% recycled plastic. However, he advocates for increasing this threshold to 50% by 2030, encouraging manufacturers to use more recycled materials and diminishing reliance on virgin plastics.

Job Losses and Economic Implications

The potential for a robust UK plastic recycling industry remains evident, with estimates suggesting it could create 2,000 direct jobs and an additional 3,000 indirect positions. Mcleary insists that fostering such an industry would also bolster public trust in recycling initiatives. “People in the UK should care where their plastic goes,” he urged, reinforcing the need for transparency in recycling practices.

In recent years, major players in the recycling sector, like Viridor, have closed several plants, including facilities in Avonmouth, Skelmersdale, and Rochester. An industry insider emphasized the necessity for policymakers to recognize waste as critical infrastructure to address these economic challenges.

“To stop exporting plastic waste and achieve a 65% recycling target for municipal waste by 2035, we would need to establish 40 new facilities across the UK—20 for sorting and 20 for processing,” the source asserted. This expansion would not only promote economic growth but also offers significant carbon reduction benefits by curtailing reliance on incinerating plastic waste for energy.

Government’s Role in Waste Management Reform

In response to the unfolding crisis, the UK government has professed its commitment to tackling plastic waste climate issues. A spokesperson stated that “for too long, plastic waste has littered our streets, polluted Britain’s waterways, and threatened our wildlife.” They added that forthcoming packaging reforms would catalyze an estimated £10 billion investment in new sorting and processing facilities. Additionally, a deposit return scheme is being implemented to ensure more plastic is recycled rather than discarded as litter or sent to landfills.

Amid ongoing debates over the effectiveness of current policies, experts and advocates remain hopeful that wages could improve and jobs could be restored if the plastic recycling industry receives the appropriate investment and regulatory support to thrive within the UK.

The future of the UK’s plastic recycling industry hangs in the balance as it grapples with government policy failures and the ethical imperative to reclaim responsibility for waste management.