Government loophole closure could create thousands of new jobs without using public funds

Britain has the potential to manage all of its plastic waste within the country by 2030, creating over 5,400 new positions in the recycling industry while addressing pollution currently caused by overseas shipments, according to a report from The Guardian.

A study conducted by Hybrid Economics indicated that this approach could lead to the establishment of up to 15 new recycling plants nationwide. Private investors are expected to contribute more than 800 million (around $1 billion) toward these facilities. The expansion could generate nearly 900 million (approximately $1.2 billion) in annual economic activity and deliver at least 100 million (over $131 million) in yearly tax revenue.

The research comes as the UK's exports of plastic waste increased by 5% in 2024, reaching roughly 600,000 tonnes (about 661,000 tons). Many countries receiving these shipments lack the infrastructure to process the waste, leaving them to handle contamination issues while Britain exports material that could be recycled domestically. Currently, UK recycling plants process only half of the waste they are capable of handling, as sending plastic abroad remains cheaper than local recycling.

Indonesia, already facing significant contamination problems, received over 24,000 tonnes (more than 26,000 tons) from the UK in early 2025. The study argued that these exports allow Britain to avoid managing its own waste while missing out on economic opportunities.

In the past two years, 21 UK recycling facilities have closed due to rising exports, low-priced virgin plastic, and inexpensive imports from Asia. Neville Hill, a partner at Hybrid Economics, stated, "Stopping exports of unprocessed plastic packaging by 2030 would let the UK take responsibility for its environmental impact and unlock a major economic opportunity. Our analysis shows that the sector can grow substantially without public funding if the government sets the right framework."

The study recommended stricter regulations, including requiring producers to use 50% recycled content instead of 30% and banning all shipments of raw plastic packaging. James McLeary, managing director of Biffa Polymers, which commissioned the research, said, "With the right conditions, UK recycling can expand, attracting investment and producing ongoing environmental and economic benefits. The UK can handle its own plastic waste domestically and replicate this success across all packaging."

Author: Sophia Brooks