Aluminium Recycled from Incinerator Bottom Ash to Qualify for PRNs in UK

From 1 January next year Aluminium packaging recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA) for recycling will qualify for the issuing to Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) under a new protocol. The protocol, which has been developed by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) and has been acknowledged by the Environment Agency (EA), could see as much as 10,000 tonnes of aluminium recovered at waste to energy facilities being counted towards the targets set for the recovery of aluminium packaging, according to the organisation. Alupro explained that the new IBA protocol recognises that a minimum of 50% of the non-ferrous content of IBA is aluminium packaging (drinks cans, foil, aerosols etc.). Its introduction follows a study by Alupro of material, in co-operation with the UK-based companies that process IBA and in consultation with the EA. The organisation noted that across Europe aluminium packaging is routinely recovered from IBA and is counted towards the national aluminium packaging recycling rates. The development of the protocol is part of Alupro’s strategy to try to ensure that all of the aluminium packaging collected for recycling is counted to arrive at the ‘true’ recycling rate. In the past the sector has expressed concerns about the ability of the PRN system to accurately report the true recycling performance of aluminium packaging. However, according to Alupro the new protocol will also enable a more accurate comparison between the sector’s recycling performance in the UK with its European counterparts. “Aluminium packaging is already being recovered and recycled from IBA in the UK. The establishment of this protocol is excellent news as it will now mean that this recovered aluminium packaging can count towards national recycling targets,” commented Rick Hindley, executive director of Alupro. “We would always prioritise the collection of household aluminium through clean collection systems to ensure maximum value of the material is achieved, but with the growth of energy from waste plants set to increase between now and 2020 it is important that the aluminium content of IBA is counted towards national recycling targets,” he added. Read More Record Rise for UK Aluminium Packaging Recycling Rate The latest statistics published by Defra show that the UK achieved its largest ever increase to the recycling rate for aluminium packaging and drinks cans since records began in 2011. Defra Encouraged to Recognise Positive Value of Waste The UK’s Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) is aiming to pursue discussions on positive value waste streams, in respect of aluminium packaging, under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Review of Producer Responsibility Schemes. How Recycled Material is Remoulding the Plastics Industry Establishing a strong and stable market for recycled plastics in the UK has been no small feat, Chris Hanlon, Biffa Polymers explains how it was achieved.