UK recyclables in demand in China

Chinese demand for recyclable materials has helped to boost prices for UK firms selling materials abroad, MPs have been told.

Research by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) revealed that overseas buyers have helped to push prices up by £15 a tonne for cardboard, by £10 a tonne for mixed papers and by £5 per tonne for steel.

Marcus Gover, WRAP's director of market development told the Association Parliamentary Sustainable Resource Group the figures showed markets for recyclables are stabilising.

Recycling prices had slumped as a result of the economic downturn.