UK Surpasses Aluminium Packaging Recycling Targets in 2024

Photo Credit: Alupro

The United Kingdom has once again exceeded its national aluminium packaging recycling targets, with a total of 157,049 tonnes recycled in 2024, according to newly published data on the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) by the Environment Agency.

Based on the official figures, the UK not only met its annual obligation of 151,281 tonnes, but also achieved a surplus of 8,579 tonnes in Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs), supported by a carry-in of 2,811 tonnes from the previous year. The strong performance highlights the nation’s continued progress in aluminium packaging recovery despite a growing domestic market.

According to the NPWD data, 114,462 tonnes of aluminium were collected and recycled through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems, while an additional 41,635 tonnes were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA). A smaller volume—952 tonnes—was recycled from other sources.

Commenting on the figures, Tom Giddings, Executive Director of Alupro, expressed optimism about the sector’s momentum. “I’m delighted to report another excellent year for aluminium packaging recycling,” Giddings said in a statement. “While the recycling rate for beverage cans maintained an impressive 81%, the number of PRNs issued for all aluminium packaging was also one of the highest ever recorded.”

Giddings also emphasized the importance of sustained policy development to support future performance. “For the past 20 years, we’ve been investing heavily in optimising our collection and recycling infrastructure... As we move further forward into 2025, robust policy is key to delivering continued progress. Accelerating the roll-out of a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and formalising Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is key to inspiring record-breaking rates in the future. Comprehensive reform of the PRN system must also be seen as a critical part of this drive.”

Alupro, a not-for-profit organisation representing the UK’s aluminium packaging industry, continues to promote recycling through behavioural change initiatives such as MetalMatters and Every Can Counts.

To access the latest aluminium packaging recycling data, visit the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD).

Source: Alupro