The MetalMatters 2012 programme review brings together the results from the four campaigns concluded in 2012. It shows how the programme has helped expand the range of metals collected at the kerbside with 13 of the partner local authorities expanding recycling schemes to include foil trays, household foil, aerosols and metal caps and closures.

Funded by the metal packaging and recycling industry and leading brand owners, and managed by Alupro, the MetalMatters programme has been rolled out across 31 local authorities and has reached just under two million households.

“Our plans for MetalMatters were shaped by the 2010 pilot scheme, which produced hard evidence to show that the industry’s approach resulted in demonstrable successes,” said Alupro executive director Rick Hindley.

“After a year of refining the programme to suit a range of local collection systems and circumstances, and building on our experiences, MetalMatters continues to deliver a strong return on investment. It makes a difference within local communities and drives up local recycling rates.”

Hindley said that one of the key elements to the campaign’s success has been the development of a model that is cost effective for individual local authorities and waste partnerships.

The review reports that the campaign cost per household was 19p across 12 districts of the Kent Waste Partnership, while in Portsmouth the revenue generated by the additional metals captured will recover the financial outlay within 12 months.

North of the border, Aberdeen City Council reported a 14% increase in the level of metal in dry recycling collections, despite a reduction in waste arisings.

Nick Warburton

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe