LGA: Recycling 'hamstrung' by over-packaging
Tuesday, 23 Oct 2007 13:27
The hard work of people to increase their recycling rates has been "hamstrung by needlessly over-packaged products" in supermarkets, the chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) said today.
A report commissioned by the LGA today finds many of the countries leading supermarkets are excessively packaging their products.
The study finds Marks & Spencer - which markets itself as a green chain - had the lowest levels of recyclable packaging, while Lidl had the heaviest packaging.
Asda was the supermarket with the most recyclable packing.
Chairman of the LGA, Paul Bettison, argued more needed to be done immediately to stop over-packaging impacting on landfill sites.
He said: "Many supermarkets are taking action to cut back on excessive packaging, but this research proves there is an urgent need to do more.
"Councils and council tax payers are facing fines of up to £3 billion if we do not dramatically reduce the amount of waste thrown into landfill."
The LGA chairman said councils want to work constructively with supermarkets to find solutions to the issue.
"There are many examples from our research of how retailers are making it easier for their customers to recycle, including the use of paper bags and removing layers of packaging. However, we have to question the necessity and desirability of shrink wrapping vegetables like peppers and broccoli."