This edition highlights high-impact stories shaping the UK’s circular economy and waste management landscape in July 2025:

During London’s largest Pride event, Veolia and Westminster City Council collected 26 tonnes of litter—recycling 14.7 tonnes—achieving a 56% recovery rate thanks to proactive crew engagement and strategically placed bins. The operation sets a benchmark for sustainable event clean‑ups. 

Veolia plans to build the UK’s first closed‑loop PET recycling facility, part of a £1bn investment plan through 2030. The plant will convert trays into food-grade plastics, supporting the grocery sector and UK recycling capacity. 

Under the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rollout, small Scottish producers report a 30% hike in glass bottle costs, making plastic a cheaper alternative—even as EPR aims to promote circular packaging. Critics warn this may penalise reuse models. 

To ease backlogs, the Environment Agency has issued temporary permissions for waste sites in England to exceed permitted storage limits—especially for wood and RDF—pending stronger market demand or processing capacity. 

The North London Waste Authority pledged a 50% household recycling goal by 2040—even though its 2024–25 rate was just 28.2%, significantly below regional and national averages. The authority’s new joint strategy includes ambitious reuse and education benchmarks. 

Event Focus: The Recycling Expo 2025

We’ve announced the first wave of speakers—joining us are experts from WRAP, HP, DEFRA, SUEZ, and others—issuing invites to all who shape and deliver UK circular change via our three-stage framework:

• Industry Leadership

• Circular Innovation

• Waste Managers

The RECOUP Sustainability Clinic is now open for bookings—spaces are limited, so sign up early.

Secure your free ticket now for access to all stages, features, and the vibrant trade show floor: