Thursday 1st July 2010
Kerb-Sorted or MRF-Sorted? You choose.
The CRR calls for clearer terminology in describing collection methods and materials.
The Campaign for Real Recycling today called for a rationalisation of the terms in common usage to describe recycling collection methods. The CRR sees a requirement for better linguistic definition to ensure that householders, media and politicians understand the implications of local authority decisions. CRR thinks the recovery system and resulting materials should best be described by the manner in which sorting takes place.
Mal Williams, Chair of the Campaign said: “There has been some confusion of terms in the past and as more and more people and organisations tune in to the need for quality in recycling, clearer terms are needed. Nearly all householders put their recyclables in a receptacle of some kind outside the house and there is a subsequent need for sorting of the material. That much is common to almost all systems and the effort from the householder is much the same. We make the point that some systems allow for quality control and feedback at the kerb, which results in better quality material. It seems logical to us to say kerb-sorted and MRF-sorted, which neatly describes both the systems and the materials in one go, and this is what we recommend.”
Andrew Perkins of Aylesford Newsprint thinks reprocessors would welcome such a move: “We certainly know the difference when we see the tonnage. Calling it simply by where the sorting takes place is logical and appropriate. Industry bodies such as CIWM should be leading in coining suitable, everyday terminology for these now universal activities. There is too much misunderstanding at the moment.”
Joy Blizzard, Chair of LARAC, added: “This is a helpful suggestion and I hope it will bring some clarity to an issue that has been surrounded by a lot of complex terminology."
Information for Editors:
1. The Campaign for Real Recycling
wants central government and local authorities to act urgently to improve the quality of materials collected for recycling in the UK. Real recycling is about maximising the economic, environmental and social benefits of recycling for everyone, from the local council tax payer to the global re-processing industry. Our concern is that collection systems that gather a range of different materials in one bag or bin and then compact them could permanently undermine the environmental and financial benefits of recycling. Our campaign aims to influence local authority policy and practice, and build consensus within the UK of the economic and environmental importance of highly separated collections.
2. Campaign for Real Recycling supporters:
3. LARAC Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee www.larac.org.uk
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