New figures published today by FEVE show that the EU has maintained a stable average glass recycling rate at 68%. This means that about 25BN glass bottles and jars were collected throughout the EU during 2010. In the UK, the average total glass recycling figure stands at 61%, although only 600,000 tonnes of the total 1.6m tonnes collected is currently being sent for remelt. 400,000 tonnes continues to be destined for aggregates, which is of lower environmental benefit than glass remelted for use in new bottles and jars. Of highest environmental benefit is the closed loop system, where bottles and jars are recycled back into bottles and jars again. In Europe, 80% of collected glass bottles and jars are recycled in this way. By recycling glass, in 2010 the EU saved more than 12M/t of raw materials (sand, soda ash and limestone), equal to two Egyptian Pyramids' worth of sand and other raw materials. Also, more than 7M/t of C02 was avoided, equal to taking 4M cars off the road. In the UK last week, the Chancellor announced in his Budget changes to Packaging Regulations which will set new Government targets for recycled materials. This will see glass recycling split into sub-categories in an effort to boost the amount of glass that is sent to re-melt.
