As Britain gears up for a sizzling summer, new research has unveiled a concerning environmental challenge: the UK is expected to generate 4.5 billion pieces of plastic waste from barbecues this season. With the temperature soaring past 30 degrees Celsius this week, the BBQ season is set to kick off in earnest, with Britons anticipated to host an average of five barbecues each over the coming months.
The study, commissioned by sustainable packaging and recycling company DS Smith, highlights that over 200 million plastic BBQ meat trays alone will enter the UK recycling system. This influx of plastic waste underscores ongoing issues with recycling clarity and effectiveness across the country.
Confusion Over Recycling Rules
The research reveals widespread confusion among UK residents about recycling practices. A quarter of people admit they do not recycle BBQ food packaging due to unclear labelling, while over one in eight are unsure of local recycling rules. This uncertainty extends to specific items; nearly 23% of respondents are unclear on how to recycle plastic meat trays, and 36% do not understand what happens to plastic once it is disposed of.
Michael Orye, Managing Director of Recycling and Paper in Europe at DS Smith, commented on the issue: “The diverse recycling rules across the UK are creating confusion, and as more plastic enters the already strained recycling system, it risks contaminating paper and card, ultimately reducing recycling efficiency. We urge individuals to adhere to local recycling guidelines and call on the government to reform the UK’s recycling system, including introducing separate collections for paper and card.”
Impact on Recycling Efficiency
Last summer, DS Smith’s recycled paper mill faced significant challenges, processing over 2,600 tonnes of plastic contamination—equivalent to more than 850,000 black bin bags. Modelling by DS Smith suggests that, if current practices continue, the UK’s paper and card recycling rate could plummet from 74% to 56% by 2030.
Despite the challenges, the survey indicates a growing public awareness of sustainability. Nearly 17% of people consider fully recyclable packaging a crucial factor when purchasing BBQ products, and 49% feel guilty about buying plastic-wrapped items. Additionally, 55% of respondents view sustainable packaging as an important criterion for BBQ-related purchases.
Michael Orye added, “Barbecues are a cherished British tradition, but they also highlight significant waste management issues. While people are increasingly committed to recycling, their efforts are undermined by a recycling system that is failing to cope with the volume and variety of waste.”
The State of UK Recycling
The research also points to broader problems within the UK recycling system. Data indicates that mixed recycling systems can contain up to twice as much plastic as paper and card, compared to separate collections. This contamination hampers the recycling process, as plastic cannot be recycled alongside paper and card, resulting in increased waste.
Despite being the third-largest producer of paper and card waste in Europe, the UK ranks 25th out of 30 European nations for recycling efficiency. Only 66% of Britons are confident that their paper and card recycling is processed correctly by local authorities.
As the UK embarks on another BBQ season, the need for clearer recycling guidelines and improved waste management practices becomes increasingly evident. The research underscores the urgency for a reformed recycling system to effectively handle the growing volume of plastic waste and support sustainable living practices.