UK Recyclability Assessment Methodology: Assessing Materials

"This document provides guidelines for assessing the recyclability of various packaging materials, detailing their classification, collection, sortation, and reprocessing stages. It covers a range of materials commonly used in packaging, including paper and board, fibre-based composites, plastics (both flexible and rigid), steel, aluminium, glass, wood, and other materials. Each material type is assessed based on factors such as its composition, whether it meets kerbside collection criteria, its ability to be sorted and processed, and the potential for contamination from non-recyclable additives. Specific guidelines are provided for common packaging examples, such as cardboard boxes, plastic bags, food cans, and more. Recyclability is also influenced by the material’s size, contaminants, and the presence of laminates or coatings. The document emphasizes the importance of verifying that materials are suitable for recycling without causing disruptions in the reprocessing chain, and outlines protocols for items that require take-back schemes or that don’t meet standard recycling criteria."