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The Recycling Association developed out of the Independent Waste Paper Processors Association (IWPPA), a well-respected trade association that previously represented independent waste paper processors and their equipment suppliers. IWPPA was formed by a group of privately owned waste paper merchants in 1975 to promote and widen the use of recyclable papers both within the UK and for export.

The Recycling Association was formed in 2009 to extend members’ influence to a wider range of recycling activities. Today, we have more than 80 members with a combined turnover in excess of £2 billion. We are the largest UK network of independent waste and recycling operators with a membership covering the whole of the British Isles. Click here for our membership map.

Over 2 million tonnes of recyclate is produced each year by our members. This feedstock is used by re-processors across the world, saving valuable natural resources that would otherwise go to landfill and making a substantial contribution to the UK’s balance of payments. Our members work closely with their local communities to promote recycling and recover materials. Although the prime activity of our members remains waste paper recovery, many recycle other materials such as plastics, steel and aluminium cans, wood and textiles. Many also provide security shredding and waste management services.

What we do

We support better UK recycling, whether that’s through lobbying for improved legislation, policy and operation; working towards increased clarity and awareness; or the provision of best practice or legislative advice to members. Our aim is always to support UK recycling, maximising material quantity, quality and opportunity.

We keep members informed of changes to legislation and best practice, covering areas such as Health and Safety, exporting, quality, Duty of Care, packaging regulations, codes of practice and any other matters which may potentially impact on the membership. We work at all levels and with a variety of stakeholders and partners. This includes local recycling groups and councils, re-processors and mills in the UK and worldwide, logistics organisations responsible for the transportation of recycled materials, agencies responsible for material monitoring, and government departments.

The recycling industry is maturing and has an increasing focus on higher quality material supply. Part of our role is to help members meet this challenge. We believe that we cannot do so in isolation and that the responsibility for quality lies with the full supply chain. To support this, we have launched the Quality First campaign.

The Recycling Association is supported by our trading company, Independent Waste Paper Producers Limited (IWPPL).