Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 February 1997. It was answered by Richard Page (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What was the capacity in the United Kingdom for recycling (a) glass, (b) plastics, (c) steel cans, (d) aluminium cans, (e) paper and card, (f) batteries, (g) tyres, (h) vehicles and (i) electrical and electronic equipment, at the latest available date. - Includes figures. (Holding answer 18 February 1997).

Answer: Ms Ruddock: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the capacity in the United Kingdom for recycling (a) glass, (b) plastics, (c) steel cans, (d) aluminium cans, (e) paper and card, (f) batteries, (g) tyres, (h) vehicles and (i) electrical and electronic equipment, at the latest available date. [16199] Mr. Page: [holding answer 18 February 1997]: Estimated theoretical capacities for post-consumer materials recycling are as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Tonnes (a) 900,000 (b) >112,500 (c) 240,000 (d) 120,000 (e) >4,000,000 (f) >100,000 (g) >200,000 (h) >975,000 (i) >400,000 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Utilisation of these capacities depends upon a number of technical, logistical and commercial factors. Capacity also exists for recovering energy from some of these materials. Sources: recycling advisory unit and industry data.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16199; 290 c599W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Cans Electronic equipment Glass Motor vehicles Recycling Paper Plastics Tyres Batteries Aluminium Beverage containers
Contains statistics: Yes