Greater demand from China is helping increase prices for recyclable materials from the UK, according to WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Plan).
Data released by WRAP shows the Chinese New Year break does not appear to have affected the market. Overseas buyers returning in recent weeks are helping to push prices up £15 per tonne for cardboard, £10 per tonne for mixed papers, and £5 per tonne for steel.
This was welcome evidence of improving and stabilising markets for recyclables, according to WRAP’s director of market development, Marcus Gover.
‘Overall, latest data suggests the markets are on a more stable footing,’ said Gover. ‘However, high quality is still critical for moving materials and achieving high prices, especially for mixed papers and plastic bottles.’ The Environment Agency warned in November that ‘the speed and breadth of the downturn in demand and price for some recyclable waste was unprecedented’. However, evidence began to emerge last month that the market was stabilising
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