Here is the latest news from the world of energy from waste: 

London throws away 2.2 million tonnes of packaging each year, research finds

A study by ReLondon, Valpak and WRAP found that plastic waste creates 46% of the capital’s packaging emissions. They are calling for more to be done to improve recycling in London, including increasing the amount of recycled content in plastic packaging, reduced use of single-use packaging and an increase in collection and recycling rates.

Defra has also released new waste figures - finding that 44% of UK household waste was recycled in 2022

The figure is slightly less than the previous year, dropping from 44.6% to 44.1%. Mary Creagh, the minister for the circular economy, described the rate decrease as “deeply disappointing”. She added: “The new government will move towards a zero-waste economy to increase recycling rates, draw in billions from private sector investment and create thousands of green jobs.”

What's more important: energy generation or energy efficiency?

Jonathan Maxwell highlights the importance of energy efficiency and, particularly given the UK Labour government’s focus on renewable energy generation as part of Net Zero, urges said government not to overlook inefficiencies.

Mandatory labelling is removed from EPR plans

Defra has confirmed that plans for mandated labelling on packaging included in the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme have been scrapped. Innovation and policy director at Ecosurety, Robbie Staniforth said: “While it is disappointing that mandatory labelling won’t come in as anticipated, it is pleasing to see the government are removing barriers that would stop legislation being laid next month.”