Corus hunts higher targets for steel recycling

The government has suggested setting targets for steel at 68% in 2008, increasing this to 68.5% in 2009, 69% in 2010, and by 1% in both 2011 and 2012.

The steel industry achieved a recycling and recovery rate of 57.5%, or 392,527 tonnes, in 2006.

"The steel industry needed direction beyond 2008 and now has it. If we don't have targets, there is a danger that recycling and recovery levels will slip back through lack of investment in the recycling infrastructure," said Williams.

New targets have been proposed for paper, glass, aluminium, steel, plastic and wood from January 2008 to help the UK meet its obligations under the EC Packaging Directive, with higher targets for 2009 and beyond.

After 2008, it is at the discretion of EU countries to set targets beyond the minimum required by the Directive.

Environment minister Joan Ruddock said the UK aimed to continue improving its recycling performance as an "essential part of reducing our reliance on landfill and cutting greenhouse gas emissions".

In addition to the environmental benefits of cutting carbon dioxide emissions and reducing reliance on landfill, the proposals will save around £1.1m.

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