COP26: The Waste & Recycling News - A Roundup

Despite calls for recycling to be at the forefront of COP26 discussions, such as those from The Global Recycling Foundation, it seems that very little of the discussion focused on waste despite its contribution to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. So, we’ve rounded up any recent news about recycling and waste management off the back of the climate summit.

If you’re already keen to get in touch with us and organise your skip hire, then you can reach us by calling 0161 647 7668, emailing info@sheridanskips.co.uk, or completing our online form.

COP26: Waste & Recycling News

We need to go beyond recycling when it comes to plastic

Prior to COP26, Boris Johnson spoke out about recycling, and how it doesn’t go far enough to address the crisis and specifically the issues relating to plastic waste. During a Q&A session with children ahead of COP26, Johnson seemed to dismiss the impact of encouraging the recycling of materials, stating that we can’t ‘recycle our way out of the problem’.

Of course, recycling should still be encouraged, but the issues need a much more effective solution. Whilst his remarks to the children attracted inevitable criticism, what was at the heart of Johnson’s message was a fair point – as he pointed out, cutting down on our use of plastic needs to be a main focus, and big corporations need to take the lead in stopping the first use of plastic. In other words, finding climate-friendly ways to sell and store products going to market is a must, but this responsibility lies with big businesses.

Attitudes towards waste, recycling, and climate change as a whole are shifting

As COP26 approached, Sky News reported that the Office of National Statistics (ONS) had looked into recycling rates and public opinions across the UK to decipher public attitudes towards recycling. As a part of this research, ONS concluded that public concern regarding climate change as a whole has increased in the last decade – approximately 76% of people now stated that they had climate concerns and were worried about the state of the planet and its future. In June 2012, this figure was at around 35%.

In relation to this and waste more specifically, the UK is producing less food waste than it used to – from 2007 to 2018, this was down 15%. As for recycling rates, 54% of the UK population stated that they have avoided or minimised throwing away food when asked in March 2020. Whilst this could be a coincidence, it’s likely that these changing attitudes are due to increased coverage and awareness about climate impacts and the climate emergency.

Glasgow perfectly exemplifies the crisis that we’re facing and the need for effective waste management

Because, what’s more ironic than Glasgow – the host city of COP26 – facing a waste crisis just weeks before the climate summit? You may remember this story hitting the news, but just before leaders from countries from all over the world descended on Glasgow for the summit and to discuss their climate objectives, the city was faced with a crisis – think pavements littered with rubbish, overflowing bins, and a subsequent increase in health risks for the population.

Whilst collection rates, fly-tipping, and uplift charges in the city have all been listed as factors that are to blame for the scandal, the situation in Glasgow is representative of a global issue. Across the world, the lack of effective waste management in both developed and developing countries is one of the main reasons why waste generation is increasing at an alarming rate.

The fact that China and Thailand, amongst other nations, have banned waste imports – including electronic waste – has also caused tensions and altered the global dynamic. All these issues further highlight exactly why nations need to come together and work together, but has COP26 gone far enough? Given that recycling and rubbish management weren’t major topics at the summit, it’s clear that more needs to be done to even discuss these issues, let alone solve them.

Effective Waste Management With Sheridan Skips

With events like COP26, increased news coverage, and general awareness and observations, we know just how crucial effective waste management can be. Here at Sheridan Skips, we offer tailored solutions to individuals and businesses in a range of sectors and for a range of purposes in Greater Manchester. Whether you’re a homeowner doing a DIY project or a construction worker with demolition materials to dispose of, no matter your company or your project, we can assist you.

If you’re interested in Greater Manchester skip hire, our skips come in 4,8 and 12 cubic yards – just select the right option for your needs and our team can provide next-day delivery in most instances! With 25 years of experience, it’s fair to say that when you choose Sheridan Skips you’ll get exceptional customer service, expertise, and effective waste management and skip hire solutions.

Interested in our skip hire and waste management? Get in touch with us today

If reading this blog has got you thinking about waste management for your next upcoming project, then we’d love to hear from you and help you with your project. You can easily book a skip online using our easy booking form, or if you’d prefer to speak to a member of our team for further assistance or information, then just give us a call on 0161 647 7668. Alternatively, you can send an email to info@sheridanskips.co.uk.