EEF responds to DEFRA Waste Framework Directive consultation

EEF has responded to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) first consultation on policy options to implement the revised Waste Framework Directive.

We stressed that it was vital that the government's approach to delivering the Directive’s objectives is one that is enabling rather than prescriptive.

In particular, we voiced concerns that legal application of the new five step hierarchy for waste management options (prevention, reuse, recycling, energy recovery and disposal) would lead to additional administrative and cost burdens on business, with sometimes limited evidence on environmental benefits of the approach. We stressed that further simplification and modernisation of existing waste legislation and greater use of positive incentives were needed to allow manufacturers to contribute fully to sustainable waste management.

Need more information?

For more information please contact Vanessa Fandrich, Senior Climate & Environment Policy Adviser