Recyclability assessment methodology: materials and outputs
How to categorise and rate individual materials under the recyclability assessment methodology (RAM).
Documents
Details
This is detailed technical guidance for the recyclability assessment methodology (RAM).
There are sections on each of the materials that much be assessed for the RAM. Each section explains:
- what kind of packaging units or components belong in this category
- the recyclability of sub-materials when assessed against 4 factors - collection, sortation, reprocessing and application
- an output for each sub-material - red, amber or green
This output should be recorded and submitted when you report your packaging data.
There is also a broader overview of the RAM that explains:
- who must do this
- how to assess your packaging waste
- how to report it
The RAM is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Updates to this page
Last updated
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This update clarifies the language around collection assessment for materials that are not kerbside collected nor part of a takeback scheme, removes some references to drink containers and corrects the full name of PAE to polyamide epichlorohydrin
Update history
2025-04-28 15:05
This is version 1.1 of the recyclability assessment methodology. It removes some of the criteria that make various materials as ‘amber’ and ‘red’. These changes are explained in the body of the document.
2025-02-17 15:54
This update clarifies the language around collection assessment for materials that are not kerbside collected nor part of a takeback scheme, removes some references to drink containers and corrects the full name of PAE to polyamide epichlorohydrin
2024-12-23 15:02
First published.