Recycling

The UK faces major challenges if we are to manage our waste sustainably. This is important, not just as part of our commitment to sustainable production and consumption, but is also a vital part in our battle against dangerous climate change.

Recycling in the UK already saves the equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions of taking 3.5 million cars off our roads. That is because virgin materials that would otherwise be used in production are conserved and the waste recycled is not being sent to landfill. Landfill is the worst environmental option for much of the waste produced in this country. The methane it produces is a potent greenhouse gas - 21 times more potent than CO2.

Also, the Landfill Tax escalator, our main fiscal measure encouraging diversion from landfill, means it is becoming more and more expensive to send waste to landfill.