Environment

Waste management companies have said they were "as shocked as anyone" after ITV's Tonight programme revealed that waste collected by local authorities for recycling is ending up in dumps in rural India.

The programme, broadcast on 8 September, claimed that 46 local authorities have no idea what happens to their waste after it is sent to contracted sorting facilities.

However, Ian Wakelin, chief executive of Greenstar UK, told Packaging News: "We are as shocked and concerned as anyone about what appears to be illegal dumping of unprocessed waste in India.

"We pride ourselves on fulfilling all required duty of care obligations and regulations."

Wakelin said he believes that co-mingled collections play an important role in UK recycling as they are cost-efficient and productive, lifting recycling rates for both domestic and commercial users.

The programme's findings prompted the Local Government Association to call for a clear, accountable and transparent system so residents will continue to have confidence in the system and continue to recycle their waste.

It has written to every council leader in England and Wales to stress the importance of having detailed information about where recycled items are sold.

Simon Weston, managing director at Smurfit Kappa Recycling, agreed: "It is important that every local authority has sufficient transparency from its contractors to enable them to identify the final re-processing destination for all of these collected materials. At Smurfit Kappa Recycling we can do this 100%."

Meanwhile a spokesperson for SITA told Packaging News that it backs the fair trading scheme, developed by the Environmental Services Association.

"If the public are to continue to support the national effort to raise recycling rates they must have confidence that the materials that are collected are processed efficiently and responsibly, in well-run recycling facilities.

"The Recycling Registration Service ensures that recyclables are traceable by local authorities and regulators, and all materials are handles and processed in accordance with good practice."

The Environment Agency told the programme it would investigate its findings and take action if necessary.