Dry materials collection and reprocessing

Through a mixture of investment and ingenuity, kerbside collections of dry recyclables and food waste have increased dramatically since 2000 and are now commonplace.

During this time WRAP has worked alongside recycling organisations, reprocessors and local authorities to develop extensive resources designed to improve kerbside collections.

Discover how local authorities and other organisations can create economic and environmental benefits through more efficient and consistent collection arrangements and can work with citizens to ensure the quality of the materials collected is suitable for closed-loop recycling.

WRAP offers a number of reports, guides and independent studies focussing on collecting and reprocessing techniques for different types of dry recyclables including: textiles, electricals, plastics, glass and cartons.

The income that can be obtained by a local authority for its recyclable materials will be dependent on the approach the authority takes to selling its materials. Local authorities need to consider the options available to them when it comes to the sale of recyclables and choose a solution that works for them in relation to the mix of materials they are collecting and the perceived quality of that mix, the resources and skills available to secure outlets for the materials and  the level of risk the local authority is prepared to take.

WRAP have produced a range of tools that are intended to help local authorities maximise the benefit that they obtain for the dry recyclables collected as part of their provision of waste services.  Our updated ‘Approaches to material sales: A guide for local authorities’  report is designed to equip local authority officers with the knowledge required to select the right materials sales strategy for their circumstances, exploring key commercial considerations such as the pricing mechanism to be used, material quality and operational requirements.

The updated report is supported by our new practical guide which aims to support authorities through a step-by-step process whether they sell thousands of tonnes of material through long-term contracts or sell separately collected materials on a weekly basis.

You can also watch our ‘Approach to Material Sales’ webinar which provides a virtual tour of the revised Technical Report and new practical guide. The webinar discusses ways Local Authorities can maximise the benefit they obtain for the dry recyclables they collect and covers some of the key considerations when aiming to increase revenue from the sale of recyclable materials.

WRAP’s work on plastics on focusses how local authorities can work with commercial organisations and MRF operators on reprocessing plastics for the manufacture of new plastic items, keeping this resource in the economy and reducing the use of virgin plastics.

WRAP partners with businesses in the electrical and electronics industry to identify opportunities for business growth through adopting sustainable business practices which put the lifecycle of products and customer experience at their heart.