The path of packaging waste in the secondary sector

Abstract

The secondary packaging sector specified in various UK legislation states that a large sector of secondary packaging originates from supermarkets. This paper examines how supermarkets deal with secondary packaging waste that encourage recycling. Supermarkets generally have a policy to recycle cardboard, paper and plastic. Packaging is returned to a central depot and this is where the recycling or bailing occurs. Each supermarket chain has its own policy on recycling and waste disposal based on Government guidelines. Anecdotal evidence suggests that manufacturers of typical supermarket products take little interest in to what supermarkets do with their secondary packaging. This paper presents the current UK situation as to the path of supermarket packaging waste.