Recyclability
The practical ability of a packaging item to be collected, sorted, and reprocessed into new materials through existing UK recycling infrastructure. A key factor in determining modulated fee levels under pEPR.
Recyclability describes whether a packaging item can realistically be recycled through available collection, sorting, and reprocessing infrastructure. Under pEPR, recyclability directly affects the modulated fees a producer pays.
Factors affecting recyclability:
- Material type — some materials have better recycling infrastructure
- Format and shape — standard formats sort more easily
- Colour — e.g., black plastic cannot be detected by infrared sorters at MRFs
- Multi-material construction — composites are harder to recycle
- Labels and adhesives — some interfere with reprocessing
- Size — very small items fall through sorting screens
The RAM assessment provides a standardised way to classify recyclability. OPRL labelling communicates recyclability to consumers. Producers aiming for the lowest fees should design packaging that is mono-material, standard format, and compatible with existing collection systems. See our guide to designing recyclable packaging.
Related Terms
Modulated Fees
Fee adjustments applied on top of base fees that reward recyclable packaging wit...
Recyclability Assessment Methodology
The standardised methodology used to assess the recyclability of packaging forma...
Materials Recovery Facility
A plant where mixed recyclable materials from household and commercial collectio...
OPRL
On-Pack Recycling Label — a UK labelling scheme that provides standardised recyc...
Eco-Design
The practice of designing packaging with environmental considerations integrated...
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