NPCC Recycling Data

National Packaging Covenant targets were developed based on a negotiated 2003 baseline packaging recycling rate of 48% using known but imprecise data. Since 2005, Covenant Council has sought to improve the overall quality and reliability of the data reported.

 

In late 2007, Covenant Council commissioned an independent review of data used to inform the packaging recycling rate. Preliminary results identified several deficiencies in data quality, particularly relating to glass and paper/cardboard.

 

In response to the findings of the review, Covenant Council:

- Addressed key issues, particularly relating to glass and 

  paper/cardboard

- Recalculated packaging recycling rates for all years between 2003 to 

  2006/07, and;

- Commissioned a subsequent review of the revised data.

 

The second review determined there was:

 

 

The overall confidence rating can be considered in the following context:

 

 

Covenant Council has also addressed the following recommendations provided in the second data review.

 

1. Greater transparency relating to how data is collected as well as the

    various inclusions & exclusions
    Packaging Data Collection Methodologies report

 

2. Increased focus on overall glass consumption figures

 

3. A formal process to collect steel cans data

    Steel Can Recycling Report

 

4. Estimates for packaging on imported finished goods for all material

     types

     (Under consideration)

 

5. Increased collaboration between data sources and data collectors

    (Ongoing)
 

Significant improvements to the quality of packaging recycling data have been made since the first data review, however Covenant Council is evaluating opportunities to further improve the data in a cost effective manner.

 

For more details, please contact the National Packaging Covenant Secretariat.