WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) evaluated the impact on the environment of recycling, landfilling and incineration.
It also evaluated emerging technologies such as anaerobic digestion, gasification and pyrolysis, all of which process waste in the absence of air to create liquid or gas fuels.
As well as concluding that 'recycling offers more environmental benefits, and lower environmental impacts, than the other waste management options,' the review also said waste to energy disposal options such as anaerobic digestion should be given more consideration.
Recycling facilities
The calls for more recycling facilities follows a similar one made by MPs earlier this year urging the Government to set tougher recycling targets for householders of 50 per cent by 2015 and 60 per cent by 2020. They currently stand at 37 per cent.
MPs from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (Efracom) also urged local authorities to provide more information to householders about what happens to the waste they put out for recycling.
An Ecologist investigation last week revealed that local councils guidance on recycling was often incorrect.
The WRAP review analysed the different disposal options for six main materials, and concluded:
Paper and Cardboard
Landfill least preferable. Recycling preferable for energy demand and water consumption. More beneficial to recycle high quality products like office paper.
Plastics
Recycling best option. Landfill worst option. Energy recovery forms of incineration of plastics provide poor amounts of energy. Pyrolysis shows promise but has been analysed in just two studies so far.
Biopolymers
Although touted as a degradable material, composting is not the best option. Anaerobic digestion was shown in studies to provide more benefit, particularly in its ability to provide energy. Recycling was also shown to be preferential to composting.
Food and garden waste
Anaerobic digestion best option because of added benefit of energy produced and fossil fuels displaced. Composting has benefits for its use as alternative to fertilisers or peat. Incineration with energy recovery also performs well.
Wood
Incineration is seen as the best option for creating energy out of the wood waste. However, recycling has the potential to reduce deforestation. Landfill is to be avoided because of the associated methane emissions.
Textiles
Recycling best option but still a lack of studies looking into alternative forms of disposal and of better methods of 'closed loop' recycling whereby the recovered fibres are used in manufacture of new clothing.
Useful links
WRAP report: Environmental benefits of recycling – 2010 update
| READ MORE... | |
 |
NEWS 'Primark effect' still clogging up UK landfills Calls to bring forward ban on recyclable material sent to landfill increase, as reports emerge of big increases in the quantity of textile waste being dumped |
 |
HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Recycling batteries: Why we need to do more Less than three per cent of household batteries are currently recycled in Britain. Chie Elliott looks into why we're at the bottom of Europe's league tables |
 |
INVESTIGATION How green are tetrapak food cartons? They're becoming more and more common - wrapped around everything from milk to chickpeas. But just how environmentally friendly are composite cartons compared to the good, old-fashioned tin or jar? |
 |
REVIEW How to Make and Use Compost: The Ultimate Guide Drawing from 40 years of composting experience, Nicky Scott's latest book will inspire confidence in beginners and give new techniques to veteran composters |
 |
INVESTIGATION 'Just throw it out' - Council advice on toxic lightbulbs An Ecologist investigation reveals that three quarters of London Boroughs are advising their residents to simply throw compact fluorescent lightbulbs in their general waste, despite the hazard posed by their mercury content |
