Institution's response to the news that recycling collection is leaving the public confused

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to news that recycling collection is leaving the public confused:

“We need greater standardisation in recycling schemes across the UK. However, standardising plastic recycling nationally couldn’t be implemented quickly as many local authorities are tied into long contracts with waste management companies.

“In the meantime, local authorities should work closely with Government and industries to identify what these new schemes could look like, making recycling both more user-friendly and increasing the UK’s markets for recycled materials.

“For recycled items, not just plastic, to be considered useful for manufacturers to reuse in product development, they must be comprised of the same type of materials.”

Notes to Editors

• Contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Press Office on 020 7973 1261 or email media@imeche.org.
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 120,000 members in more than 140 countries working at the heart of the most important and dynamic industries such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries. www.imeche.org