Approximately 10%-12 % of material sent to UK recycling centres , particularly food packaging made from polyethylene terephthalate ( PET ) , is aimed at “ energy from waste ” plants rather than turned into new products , according to a survey of local residents by charity Recoup . The 36 incinerators in England produce the same amount of toxic particulates as 250,000 lorries, according to the UK Without Incineration Network. Incineration generates air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions . Recoup said this is happening due to a lack of specialist recycling facilities and that the problem is linked to last year ’s decision by China to ban imports of foreign waste . It 's also being hampered by restrictions imposed on such waste by other countries . Until recently , the UK imported about two - thirds of packaging waste overseas .
Approximately 10%-12 % of material sent to UK recycling centres , particularly food packaging made from polyethylene terephthalate ( PET ) , is aimed at “ energy from waste ” plants rather than turned into new products , according to a survey of local residents by charity Recoup . Incineration generates air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions . Recoup said this is happening due to a lack of specialist recycling facilities and that the problem is linked to last year ’s decision by China to ban imports of foreign waste . It 's also being hampered by restrictions imposed on such waste by other countries . Until recently , the UK imported about two - thirds of packaging waste overseas .