Plastics waste, closed-loop recycling, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (GB)

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Background of emission factor

The emission factor for plastic waste includes transportation to the waste treatment facility and any possible pre-treatment. It does not include later stages of the recycling process. Closed-loop recycling means that the plastic waste is turned into new products similar to the original ones.

Emission factor category

Emission factors for waste indicate the amount of emissions from waste incineration, recycling or landfilling. If waste is recovered by recycling into material or energy, the waste emission factor typically only includes emissions from transport to waste treatment. Waste emissions can be reduced by reducing the amount of waste, optimizing the use of raw materials and recycling materials efficiently.

Plastics waste, closed-loop recycling

Emission factor category / Subcategory	Waste
Country	United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (GB)
Organization	DEFRA, BEIS, DESNZ
Emission factor	4,69 kg/t
CO2 / CO2 equivalent	CO2e
Quality of the emission factor
Updated	2025
Source	OpenCO2net/ Defra Conversion Factors 2025
More information	This emission factor is especially suitable for GHG Protocol Scope 3 calculation. This emission factor should not be used to compare relative lifecycle merit of different waste management options. Closed-loop recycling is the process of recycling material back into the same product. For recycling, this emission factor covers only the collection of waste from organisation’s site to gate of material recovery facility, i.e. transportation.Defra source IDs: 20_505_5380_15_1, 20_505_5387_15_1, 20_505_5394_15_1, 20_505_5401_15_1, 20_505_5408_15_1, 20_505_5415_15_1, 20_505_5422_15_1, 20_505_5429_15_1, 20_505_5436_15_1

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Quality of emission factor

High-quality emission factors verified by an external verifier, usually sourced directly from the supplier (primary data). The factor may be a maximum of 3-5 years old and cover all greenhouse gases (CO2e).

Unverified primary data factors, as well as new and accurate average factors based on physical quantities. The factor may be a maximum of 3-5 years old.

Average, based on physical quantities, with one of the following shortcomings: more than 5 years old, only CO2 emissions, or contains many assumptions.

Inaccurate emission factors based on physical quantities that contain several of the following shortcomings: more than 5 years old, only CO2, or contains many assumptions. The newest, highest-quality spend-based emission coefficients also fall into this category.

Old and inaccurate spend-based emission factors. Their use in emission calculations should be avoided.