The United Kingdom Recycled more than 157 Thousand Tonnes of Aluminum in 2024

The United Kingdom recycled a total of 157,049 tonnes of aluminum packaging during 2024, according to annual data published by the Environment Agency’s National Packaging Waste Database, as announced by ALUPRO.

Of this total, 114,462 tonnes were collected through household collection systems, drop-off points, and public containers, while another 41,635 tonnes were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA). An additional volume of 952 tonnes came from other sources.

The country had a recycling obligation of 151,281 tonnes, plus 2,811 tonnes carried over from the previous year. This allowed for a surplus of 8,579 tonnes in recycling certificates (PRNs), once again exceeding the national target.

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, highlighted that 2024 was another positive year for aluminum packaging recycling, noting that 81% of drink cans placed on the market were recycled, one of the highest figures recorded to date.

Giddings emphasized that the results are the fruit of two decades of investment in collection and recycling infrastructure. Looking ahead to 2025, he stressed the importance of robust policies, such as the nationwide implementation of a deposit return scheme (DRS) and the formalization of extended producer responsibility (EPR). He also called for a comprehensive reform of the PRN certificate system to continue advancing capture and recycling rates.