WRAP can continue to promote recycling, says EC

WRAP works to promote recycling and waste reduction in the UK, by ensuring that there is a market for the increasing volume of waste which is diverted from the landfill site to the recycling plant.

It distributes capital grants to stimulate the industry and assist research and development on the latest materials, such as tyres, plasterboard and batteries.

Because WRAP is funded by the Government, it needs approval from the

Commission to make sure that its activities do not interfere with competition in the marketplace or breach state aid restrictions meant to stop member states from subsidizing industry. The Commission also checks that WRAP is working towards European environmental objectives.

The Commission has extended its permission for WRAP to operate for another four years without an investigation.

The chief executive of WRAP, Jennie Price, said: “I am delighted that the Commission has approved this extension to WRAP’s state aid clearance. The UK is rising to the challenge of land filling less and recycling more and this gives WRAP the green light to continue its efforts to boost our growing recycling industry.”

Jess McCabe