The Recycling Association has reported rising demand for UK fibre as a result of other European countries cutting recycling services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The organisation warns, however, that with the UK introducing increasingly stringent measures to halt the spread of the virus, we could experience a similar trend.
In an interview with Materials Waste Recycling, Simon Ellin, Chief Executive of the Recycling Association, said “It’s a really difficult one because safety has to remain paramount. But it does bring you back to this problem we will have of keeping the system going so there is packaging for medical supplies and food.”
Waste sector operatives have been classed as key workers following the Environment Services Association calling on the government for the waste sector to be categorised as “critical”. In spite of this, local councils are struggling to maintain full services, many struggling with staff shortages.
Councils in Cambridge, Brighton and Hove and Derby have all announced reduction in collections, prioritising residual waste collections while reducing or suspending food waste, garden waste and recycling services. All Household Waste Recycling Sites across West Sussex are now closed until further notice due to the current Covid-19 situation.
