Aim
Government’s goal is to decouple waste growth in all sectors from economic growth. The overall objective is less waste, more reuse and recycling and energy from waste, and less to landfill (“the waste hierarchy”). This will bring about environmental and economic benefits.
Vision – producer and consumer responsibility
The strategy is based on the principle of shared responsibility. This means that producers, retailers, consumers, local authorities and the waste management industry are all expected to take specific responsibilities with regards to delivery of the strategy.
Producers are expected to make products using more recycled materials and less newly extracted raw materials. They are expected to design products that are less wasteful and take responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products throughout their life.
Specific targets
Government has made a commitment to set a new national target for the reduction of commercial and industrial waste going to landfill. In the interim, levels of commercial and industrial waste landfilled are expected to fall by 20% by 2010 compared to 2004. This assumption is based on modelling of the impact of current policy levers.
There is a commitment to consider, together with industry, a target to halve the amount of construction, demolition and excavation wastes going to landfill by 2012.
Key proposals for action
Incentives
The main driver for action is the new rate of landfill tax escalator announced in the budget (the standard rate of tax will increase by £8 pa from 2008 until at least 2010/2011 (from £24 now to £48 per tonne in 2010).
Government states it is committed to the Business Waste and Resource Efficiency (BREW) Programme, which has returned the majority of additional landfill receipts (i.e. the escalator) back to business by funding waste minimisation and resource efficiency projects. However, we will have to wait until the Comprehensive Spending Review is published later this year for an announcement on the exact future, scale and nature of the Programme.
Better Regulation
Government is committed to simplifying the regulatory system, making it more proportionate through:
- Waste protocols that clarify when waste ceases to be waste; Defra and the EA will consult on updated guidance on the interpretation of the definition of waste. This will take account of recent Commission guidance on the distinction between waste and by-products;
- Reforms of the permitting and exemption systems through the Environmental Permitting Programme and the current Consultation on exemptions to waste licensing;
- Reforms of controls on handling, transfer and transport of waste, through the current consultation on the duty of care and requirements on waste carriers and waste broker;
Defra is still considering if a ban on landfilling biodegradable wastes or any recyclable materials would make an effective contribution to meeting the overall objectives of the strategy and will soon be consulting on this matter.
Targeting action on materials, products and sectors
The government has identified seven priority waste streams for further action on the basis of potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from further diversion from landfill and increased recycling and recovery: paper, food, glass, aluminium, wood, plastics and textiles. Actions include:
- Establishing an agreement with industry with challenging targets to reduce waste and increase recycling;
- Support for ongoing WRAP work as well as new work on developing best practice or minimum recycled standards for some packaging materials;
- Consult on higher packaging recycling requirements beyond the 2008 European targets under the Packaging Directive;
Defra will establish a new products and materials unit, which will take forward action within the area of product policy; the unit will publish a progress report in spring 2008.
Government will start development of eco-design requirements, which will consider waste impacts as part of the wider life cycle assessment of energy using products, thereby implementing requirements under the Energy Using Products Directive (2005).
Government will continue support for re-use and re-manufacture of products and material resources by funding business advice services (e.g. the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme and Envirowise).
Defra will soon consult on changes to the Packaging Regulations to achieve greater reduction in excess packaging. This will include proposals for setting optimal packaging standards and higher packaging targets beyond 2008.
With regards to sectors, priorities for further action are the food and retail sector and construction and demolition sector.
Investment in Infrastructure
Government aims to increase investment in waste treatment facilities and improve the collection and treatment infrastructure allowing for greater segregation and sorting of waste at, or close to, its source. This includes measures to encourage local authorities and the waste management industry to consider greater integration between municipal and non-municipal waste and development of energy from waste facilities.
Government will continue to support WRAP’s market development work, including the development of a centre of expertise of export markets to help businesses manage the market risks, maintain the value of recycled material and comply with the controls on export of waste.
Local and regional governance
The Strategy is encouraging, but not requiring, local authorities to help local businesses reduce and recycle their waste. Through its Waste Infrastructure Development Programme (WIDP) local authorities to consider non-municipal waste when planning and procuring facilities. Other action includes support for exiting pilots projects aimed at delivery of collection services to small and medium sized enterprises.
Regional Development Agencies & other bodies are also encouraged, but not required, to coordinate business waste and resource management in partnership with local authorities and third sector organisations.
Delivery
Finally, the Strategy includes a commitment to establish a DEFRA-led cross departmental Waste Strategy Board to drive implementation of the strategy, supported by a new Waste Stakeholder Group which will provide external advice, challenge and assistance with delivery.