The UK government committed in 2010 to a better alignment of MSW-reporting with the EU’s
definition of MSW, with more consistent inclusion of commercial waste;
The share of MSW landfilled in the UK reduced from 80 % in 2001 to 49 % in 2010. Recycling
(material and organic) increased dramatically over the same period though growth dampened
towards the end of the decade. Large variations in recycling rates are seen at the regional level;
The UK was close to achieving its derogated 2010 BMW diversion target under the Landfill
Directive by 2006. The 2013 derogated target was exceeded by 2009;
The net upstream and downstream contribution of MSW treatment to GHG emissions, based on a
life-cycle approach, remained negative in 2010 at 4.3 million tonnes CO2-equiv. of additional
emissions, but had reduced from 12.4 million tonnes in 2001;
The landfill allowance trading schemes (LATS) has been a major driver of rapid landfill diversion
and recycling rates. By 2010 the landfill tax escalator for active waste had become the more
influential policy instrument;
The Packaging Waste Regulations in combination with a buoyant Asian market for packaging
wastes and recyclates have also been key drivers in increasing recycling rates. Establishment of
WRAP UK has been an important initiative for capacity building;
There is a high level of confidence that the 50 % MSW recycling target will be met by 2020, but
slightly lower confidence about meeting the 2020 Landfill Directive target. This is in part due to
concerns over the time available to build the necessary recycling and recovery facilities for
organic wastes