News Roundup 🗞️
EU Plastics Recycling Industry Warns of Imminent Collapse
The European plastics recycling sector is in crisis. Falling demand, rising costs, and low-priced imports are pushing facilities to the brink. By the end of 2025, Europe could lose 1m tonnes of recycling capacity. Alasdair links this to UK plant closures — a worrying trend that risks undoing progress on circularity.
Plastic Energy Produces First Recycled Oil at Dutch Plant
Some brighter news: Plastic Energy has produced its first batch of pyrolysis oil (TACOIL™) in the Netherlands, using hard-to-recycle plastics as feedstock. Jane calls it a breakthrough: turning unrecyclable waste back into raw material. Full commercial production is expected later this year.
QMRE Secures Permit for Plastic-to-Oil Operations in Kent
QM Recycling Energy has secured a permit in Kent to process up to five tonnes of plastic waste a day into oil. Smaller in scale than Plastic Energy, but another sign that advanced recovery technologies are moving forward.
DEFRA to Reform Waste Carrier, Broker and Dealer System
DEFRA plans major changes to waste carrier regulation, moving to permits and exemptions. The aim is tackling waste crime, but Alasdair warns against painting the whole industry as “criminal.” Enforcement should focus on true offenders, while the public needs clearer communication about why rules (like bulky uplift changes) are in place.
Topic: Your Waste, Your Responsibility ♻️
This week Jane and Alasdair take on litter — and the myth that “the bins were full” is an excuse. At its heart: responsibility. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, everyone has a legal duty of care from the moment waste is created until it’s finally dealt with. That applies to households, businesses, and contractors alike.
On a daily level, that means simple things: if a bin’s full, use another or take waste home. Don’t stack bottles on top or leave bags beside bins — that’s still littering.
The duty becomes even more critical with home renovations. If a builder’s “mate with a van” fly-tips your bathroom and the bags trace back to you, you’re liable. Always ask carriers where waste is going, check they’re licensed (SEPA in Scotland, the Environment Agency in England), and get proof. If a price looks too cheap, it probably ends in a lay-by.
The scale is huge: Scotland sees 250m visible items of litter each year and tens of thousands of fly-tipping incidents, costing tens of millions to clean up. Penalties exist — £80 for littering and £500 for fly-tipping — and new rules mean litter thrown from vehicles can now be penalised via the keeper. But laws only matter if enforced.
Takeaway: Leave no trace. Carry rubbish to the next bin, fold cups, stack containers, and compact waste to leave room for others. Responsibility doesn’t end when you drop it — it’s on all of us to cut the 250m items blighting Scotland each year.
Rubbish Rant: Batteries Burning the Sector 🔥
Another week, another fire — this time at a Scottish site run by Cireco. While still under investigation, it reflects a growing crisis: lithium-ion batteries in the waste stream. Across the UK, an estimated four refuse collection vehicles catch fire daily, often triggered by hidden batteries from vapes, earbuds, and electronics.
Alasdair argues operators can’t keep carrying the blame when the real issue is producers and poor product stewardship. Despite take-back rules, too many batteries end up in bins. Stronger producer responsibility is needed — clearer labelling, proper collection, or even a deposit-return model for vapes.
Jane adds that public education is vital: the real frontline is householders choosing what to put in the bin.
Takeaway: Fires put workers, facilities, and services at risk. Producers and government must step up, while the public takes responsibility for safe disposal.
