Cash for cans schemes set to end in December
The ban on cash transactions for scrap metal will end cash for cans schemes, despite lobbying from Aluminium Packaging and Recycling Organisation (Alupro)
Government legislation will come into force on 3 December and has been brought in to combat metal theft. However, it’s had unintentional consequences for cash for cans schemes. The change in the law will not affect kerbside collections.
Alupro chief executive Rick Hindley said that it was too early to say how much of an impact this move will have on aluminium packaging recycling targets. However, it is believed that schemes have accounted for around 4,000 tonnes.
Speaking to Packaging News, Hindley said: “In the US, the same legislation is in place but this exempted drinks cans. We lobbied for this but the government said no.”
Hindley also addressed the annual Alupro seminar and said that aluminium was on target to meet its recycling targets for 2012.
Delegates also heard how Kent County Council’s newly launched Metal Matters campaign had cost just 19p per household. Paul Vanston, manager at the Kent Waste Partnership, outlined how partnerships through the supply chain were benefiting the county’s recycling strategy.
“Alupro supported the Metal Matters campaign in Kent and the public and councillors have praised it,” he said. “It’s about how mature the supply chain is about shared endeavours.”
Vanston added that the next area to focus on should be funding. “Last year the value of the PRN system was £23m,” he said. “Defra says that £220m is needed for a collecting infrastructure. Where is the discussion on that? If the PRN system cannot meet the need then where will that funding come from?”
