Cotswold Council’s Controversial Recycling: Cardboard Shipping 6,600 Miles to Malaysia

Cotswold District Council is sending recycled cardboard to Malaysia, raising concerns about its environmental impact. Opposition Conservative councillors question how this practice affects the council’s carbon footprint.

The council is committed to tackling the climate emergency and aims for net-zero carbon emissions. Tristan Wilkinson, a council member, explained that a commercial agreement with Thamesdown Recycling determines the recycling process. He stated that market forces largely dictate where the recycling goes.

Cardboard collected by the council first goes to Thamesdown’s recycling depot in Cricklade, then on to a paper mill in Malaysia. Conservative councillor Jeremy Theyer expressed surprise that sending cardboard to Malaysia is considered environmentally friendly, suggesting it could be processed in the UK instead.

Mr. Wilkinson acknowledged the complexity of the recycling supply chain. He emphasized the council’s role is to collect recycling and pass it to Thamesdown. He mentioned there is a commercial value in cardboard.

Councillor David Cunningham likened the responsibility for waste management to an “Exocet” missile, stating the council should take care of what happens to the waste after collection.