The UK waste industry is currently facing a wide range of challenges that are slowing down the country’s progression as a major leader in recycling innovation. As other nations actively seek new targeted and effective ways to improve their recycling rates, the UK's cautious approach when adopting new and innovative technology is holding the nation back from building a greener future.
by Josh Casswell
In 2021/22, England reached a 44.1% recycling rate, as reported by DEFRA, the details can be found on GOV.UK. Despite this positive progress, some of the country’s major cities like London, are falling way behind in their recycling efforts. Even though we may believe the biggest cities should be the driving forces for innovation, their recycling rates tell a very different story.
However, other countries appear to be on the right path. Countries like the US look to embrace new ideas, their municipalities and public organisations are reaping the rewards, with both current and long-term benefits. This includes cost reductions and an overall improvement in public behaviours towards waste and recycling. Some of the highest recycling rates include Australia at 52.9%, Germany at 49.8% and Ireland at 42.4%, as reported by the Environmental Performance Index.
So, why has the UK been slow to adopt new technology that can help people recycle more effectively? Before we explore this further, it’s important to understand the current state of play across the country.
In another recent DEFRA report, it was revealed that London’s household recycling rates were the lowest nationwide in 2022/23. The lowest rate was for Tower Hamlets, at just 17.7%. In fact, five of the top ten worst areas for household recycling in England were in London. This included Wandsworth at 22.24%, Lewisham at 23% and Kensington and Chelsea at 23.1%. However, the issue extends beyond the capital, with Liverpool City Council reporting a rate of just 17.9%. It’s not all bad news though, as other local authorities like Guildford Borough Council and North Somerset Council reported rates of 56.4% and 58.9% respectively.
Now we know a little more, let’s discuss some challenges faced when it comes to innovation in the waste sector, and what could be done to overcome those issues…
The Financial Strain
Local authorities are dealing with challenging situations, with some facing heavy budget constraints, including spending cuts and reduced funding for services. In October last year, the Local Government Association (LGA) reported a total funding gap of £4 billion for councils across England over the next two years. As part of a separate survey by the District Councils Network, they reported that 42% of councils considered reducing their waste collection efforts, due to a reduction in their funding. While innovation can deliver significant savings, there can be risks and high costs associated if not implemented effectively - this is holding our public services back.
However, innovation can be the game-changer that allows authorities to minimise their spending. For example, an ordinary wheelie bin can now become fully interactive without the need for the installation of specialist equipment, to answer public queries. This could include making information easily accessible so residents can learn about rubbish collection days or what items they can/ can’t recycle, from their mobile phones. These interactive services could be the perfect assistant when handling public queries, reducing the calls and associated workload that customer service teams face. The possibilities are truly endless.
The Growing Skills Gap
Digital technology is evolving at an incredibly fast pace. Look at our personal lives, we’re using conversational AI like Alexa in our own homes and personalisation technology like the AI DJ on Spotify to give us tailored listening experiences. Innovations like those mentioned are being quickly embedded into our surroundings. However, for organisations, technology is developing so quickly that the skills required to implement can sometimes fall behind.
To combat this, the public sector needs to focus on providing more education and training to improve people’s understanding of its usage and long-term potential. By doing this, they will become more informed about how they can leverage technology, leading to a transition of new cutting-edge services, and a phase-out of outdated methods.
Culture and Attitudes
Public and internal perceptions of technology play a major role in the UK’s gradual adoption of innovation. In a report by the National Audit Office (NAO), they found organisations would “see the technology solution as the primary reason for failure”. They would largely see technology as unsuccessful due to “shifting business requirements and over-optimism”, which would lead to organisations feeling less confident when using new solutions. As for the media, their coverage of services like AI and its capabilities has largely been of caution. Shifting these perceptions is crucial for driving change and improvement across the sector.
Instead, innovative solutions should be celebrated and welcomed. Rather than being wary about using the likes of AI, organisations should take full advantage of its capabilities, within a controlled environment. This shift in mindset would help organisations gain a much clearer picture of the opportunities that innovation can bring, and foster a more positive attitude when applying these new concepts.
What is the US doing differently?
In the US, constant innovation and fresh ideas have allowed the government to change the way they engage with the public regarding recycling.
As new laws like SB 1383 are introduced in California, different creative approaches have enabled governments to address emerging challenges. In central Contra Costa County, RecycleSmart, a solid waste authority, is helping citizens figure out what can be recycled, and what should go to landfill. By creating interactive fridge magnets, keychains and other items, we’ve been able to help them save staff time, by allowing residents to get answers on over 300 household items, as well as disposal information from the comfort of their own homes.
By streamlining the way locals obtain recycling information, residents have more opportunities to contribute towards a greener future, with governments able to deliver on their set targets. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the country’s recycling rate reached 32% in 2023, with 94 million tonnes of waste either recycled or composted in 2018. Whilst these rates are positive, work continues, with the EPA aiming for the country to reach a 50% national recycling rate by 2030.
With DEFRA setting a long-term ambition for the UK to eliminate avoidable waste by 2050, it’s time for the country to step up its innovation efforts - regardless of the outcome of the General Election. If new advancements were welcomed, the UK would be in a great position to replicate similar outcomes to those that have been achieved in the US and elsewhere.
However, it’s not just about achieving goals; it’s also about moving with the times. The longer organisations wait to adopt, the likelier they are to be left behind. Whether it’s widening accessibility to information or simplifying processes, technology solutions can help transform the UK’s waste scene for the better.
So, what’s stopping you?
If you need a solution, we have the answers! Feel free to try out our waste demo below. Whether it’s balloons, plant pots or pizza boxes, we’ve got you covered! We challenge you to ask about any item you like!
Want to learn more about the innovative work Hello Lamp Post is doing in the waste sector? Check out our website here.
Josh Casswell, Community Engagement at Hello Lamp Post
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