The aim of this study is to inform readers of the costs and benefits of various options for implementing these collection and recycling requirements in the UK.
The study uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach with a subsequent economic valuation of the options.
The LCA methods undertaken comply with those laid down in international standards (ISO14040).
The study has been commissioned by the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Its intended purpose is to assist policy by estimating the financial cost of different collection and recycling routes and to estimate the environmental return for that expenditure. Findings will be used to inform the development of a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) for the implementation of the proposed Directive in the UK.