Elevated inflation impacts both waste management companies and local authorities Waste management companies and local authorities have been impacted by rising fuel prices and soaring inflation, which has increased cost pressures.
This report analyses the UK Waste Management and Recycling Market in 2024. Discover the latest industry trends and innovation opportunities with Mintel.
Elevated inflation impacts both waste management companies and local authorities
The UK waste management and recycling market has been impacted by rising fuel prices and soaring inflation, which has increased cost pressures. Elevated inflation has also increased the funding cap faced by local authorities, with many warning that they would have to make cuts to local neighbourhood services such as waste collection, road repairs, libraries, and leisure services in 2024/25.
Delays in waste reforms hold back industry investment
Uncertainty around government waste reforms has slowed investment in UK waste management and recycling industry infrastructure, potentially delaying the transition to a circular economy. While the government’s “Simpler Recycling” plans and timelines for Extended Producer Responsibility and Deposit Return Schemes, have provided some clarity on some issues, key details are still pending. The NIC also warns that there is a lack of an integrated approach to managing these reforms.
Advancements in recycling technology will help boost recycling rates
There is a strong industry focus on developing recycling technology to help tackle plastic packaging waste, including developing techniques that tackle difficult-to-recycle plastic packaging formats. Key areas of innovation include the adoption of AI technology and robotics to sort waste more accurately, “tag and trace” technology and chemical recycling techniques, which will be key to progress soft plastic recycling.
This report analyses the source of waste arisings in the UK, and the collection, treatment and disposal of that waste, particularly concentrating on the collection and disposal of domestic, commercial, industrial, building and demolition refuse, which can be broadly defined as the element of waste available to commercial contractors.
This report is written by Claudia Preedy, a senior B2B analyst at Mintel. Claudia joined Mintel in October 2013. She has over nine years’ experience researching B2B markets, identifying market trends, analysing the impact of the regulatory, economic and political environment and providing market forecasts. Claudia holds a Master’s degree in Marketing Management.
The lack of progress in waste reforms are holding back investment in the waste sector. To accelerate progress towards recycling targets, implementing the reforms without further delay is critical.
Claudia Preedy
Senior B2B Analyst
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