EEF has given a cautious welcome to the strategy. Whilst we believe that it was a step in the right direction, we think that more could be done to ensure the UK closes the gap with the rest of Europe in reducing waste and encouraging more recycling, and encourage real behaviour change.
In terms of business waste, the strategy focuses on measures to constrain the ability of business to landfill waste, with little in terms of new measures to encourage business to invest in resource efficiency.
We are particularly concerned about the recent announcement in the Chancellor's Pre-budget report that removed the 100% ring fencing of the landfill tax escalator. The tax has been funding environmental support and advice for businesses through the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Programme. With the exact future of the BREW Programme currently uncertain, government could lose an important lever to facilitate change.
EEF is further concerned that not enough has been done to speed up the process of getting the necessary waste infrastructure on line to deal with the increasing amounts of waste being diverted from landfill. The current lack of available and affordable services to business to deal with their waste, has led to significant increases in waste management costs and proving a barrier to greater recycling and recovery of waste.
Our full response is available to download by clicking on the link in the Downloads box.
Please see our earlier briefing on the main features of the new Waste Strategy and implications for manufactuers.