Recent weeks have seen reports: 1. That the EA hasn't been enforcing the waste hierarchy, 2. Of a wide ranging EA investigation into UK plastic recyclate exports, 3. Of Far East markets closing their doors to the import of recylate from the UK with Thailand (following China's lead), and 4. A no deal Brexit (which is becoming more likely) that will see the UK drop out of the TFS system. Are we about to see UK recycling market and structure collapse like a proverbial house of cards? Yes, unless (ⅰ) the shortly to be published resources and waste strategy sets out a very clear pathway to move us towards a more localised sustainable circular economy based approach, and (ⅱ) we see a very progressive and future proof Environment Bill. In the short term (before either of these developments can have an impact) we will need - (ⅰ) flexibility from regulators as businesses struggle to re-adjust, (ⅱ) a supportive interim framework and approach from both Central Government in terms of funding and policies, as well as Local Government in terms of their engagement with the private sector concerning the collection, recycling, recovery and disposal of waste, and (ⅲ) more general widespread collaboration in the sector.
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