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Local Authorities: Aluminium Recycling
01 September 2026
Lead MP
Tessa Munt
Wells
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyEmploymentClimateNorthern IrelandForeign AffairsStandards & EthicsLocal Government
Word Count: 7381
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Tessa Munt raised concerns about local authorities: aluminium recycling in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Munt asks the Government to intervene to prevent further exports of aluminium scrap from UK councils to ensure the material is recycled in the UK. She seeks clarity on the definition of recycling and urges the Minister to address the commercial sensitivity issues that prevent transparency in aluminium recycling income.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Tessa Munt is concerned about the inefficient management of aluminium recycling by local authorities. She highlights that while aluminium is the most valuable material in household recycling bins, many councils are losing out on significant income from its recycling due to poor management or lack of oversight. Munt reports that around 60% of the 12 billion aluminium cans used annually are exported for recycling, with only 40% recycled in the UK. She cites examples of councils receiving vastly different incomes from aluminium recycling despite similar circumstances, such as Cambridgeshire earning £1.6 million while Surrey only £2,000. She also notes the environmental impact of shipping aluminium to smelters in countries like China and the USA, which results in significant carbon emissions and energy waste. Munt is particularly worried that the export of aluminium scrap undermines the Government's critical minerals strategy and circular economy objectives.
The hon. Member highlighted the value of aluminium in blister packs, which are not routinely recycled by many councils. She mentioned her constituent, Yvonne, who has been working to gather blister packs for recycling in a local village.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted the unique challenges faced by local authorities in Northern Ireland, particularly regarding waste management and recycling. He noted that Northern Ireland's recycling rates are at 50%, but faced geographical and market restrictions that limit their ability to recycle aluminium effectively. Shannon mentioned that shipping costs and regulatory frictions associated with the Irish Sea make it economically unfeasible for Northern Ireland to compete with mainland UK in aluminium recycling. He called for targeted support from the Government to invest in local reprocessing infrastructure in Northern Ireland to ensure a fair green transition.
As a Kent MP, Mike Martin expressed his frustration with the Reform leadership of Kent county council, particularly regarding the DOGE programme aimed at saving money. He asked whether the council renegotiated the contract and explored other options.
Robbie Moore
Con
Bristol North West
Robbie Moore expressed concern about the low recycling rate of aluminium in the UK, noting that only 54.7% of 287,000 tonnes of aluminium waste generated in 2024 was recycled. He highlighted the disparity in returns for comparable aluminium material between local authorities and called for greater transparency in the recycling process. Moore also raised concerns about the significant export of aluminium scrap from the UK, questioning the impact on domestic industry resilience and the need for a balance between free trade and national resource security. He asked the Minister to assess the implications of scrap aluminium exports for British industry and to ensure that extended producer responsibility (EPR) measures are delivering improved recycling rates and value for money.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Somerton and Frome
Sarah Dyke highlighted the importance of aluminium recycling in a circular economy, noting that aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without quality loss. She expressed concern over the decline in UK and EU reprocessing of UK scrap packaging and the export of scrap aluminium to Asia and the US. Dyke also mentioned Somerset's success in improving recycling rates, but noted that the disparity in local authorities' recycling arrangements varies widely. She stressed the need for transparency and traceability in recycling processes and advocated for proper funding and support for local authorities to deliver high-quality recycling services.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
Government Response
Welcomed the debate and thanked Tessa Munt for securing it. Paid tribute to Mary Creagh for her work on the deposit return scheme. Agreed with the need to view aluminium as a valuable resource and to address fraud in the system. Mentioned Hull city council's recycling rate of 51%. Called for more transparency in council contracts and urged MHCLG Minister to encourage councils to share information. Supported the implementation of the deposit return scheme in Northern Ireland and discussed the £66.5 million investment by Novelis in upgrading its recycling plant. Highlighted the potential for £10 billion investment in recycling and 25,000 new jobs. Stressed the importance of a circular economy for economic growth and job creation.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.