Household recyclers in the UK need not thoroughly rinse cans and jars before placing them in recycling bins, according to Richard Kirkman, the UK head of Veolia, the country’s largest waste management firm. Kirkman emphasized that as long as items are relatively clean, washing is unnecessary because materials are cleaned later using industrial processes at recycling facilities.
Kirkman, an environmental engineer who assumed leadership of Veolia’s operations in Britain and Northern Europe in April, pointed out that washing containers at home uses water resources that would instead be employed at recycling plants. He advised that consumers should avoid leaving large amounts of residue—such as half-full jars of jam—in their recycling, but scrubbing containers before disposal is generally not required.
The remarks come amid debates over materials used for packaging, particularly the criticism of plastic. Kirkman noted that plastic’s durability, often criticized because it persists in the environment, is actually advantageous when items are reused or recycled repeatedly. He expressed skepticism about the increasing use of aluminium cans for bottled water, describing the trend as "nuts" due to the cans’ typically higher carbon footprint compared to plastic bottles. He highlighted that such cans frequently feature plastic liners and require more energy and material to manufacture than plastic bottles.
The environmental arguments over aluminium and plastic packaging continue to evolve. Aluminium manufacturers stress the metal’s recyclability without loss of quality, contrasting with plastic, which degrades after each recycling cycle. However, producing new aluminium is far more carbon-intensive, and discarded aluminium carries greater environmental costs if not recycled. Meanwhile, plastic bottles offer opportunities for reuse that cans do not.
Kirkman also pointed to the complexity of recycling systems as a barrier to higher rates of household waste recycling in England. Packaging has become more varied, causing confusion over appropriate bins. According to recent government data, only 43.8 percent of household waste in England is recycled, below the government’s 50 percent target and down from a previous high of 45.5 percent in 2019.
To simplify recycling, Kirkman proposed labeling packaging with colored dots indicating the correct disposal bin, improving clarity for consumers and facilitating sorting at recycling centers. He argued that the current approach places too much responsibility on householders.
Looking ahead, Kirkman expressed doubts about the impact of the UK government’s upcoming deposit return scheme, set to begin next year. The plan will offer consumers a refund of about 20 pence for each plastic or metal drink container returned at designated collection points. He characterized the expected effect on recycling rates as “marginal.”
In response, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated that efforts are focused on reforming systems that are not functioning efficiently. The department cited new recycling regulations in England as measures designed to make recycling easier, increase participation, and reduce waste sent to landfill or incineration.