Autumn Statement Assesses Waste Infrastructure Requirements

30 November 2011

During Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement, the Government's strategy for developing infrastructure was set out in the National Infrastructure Plan

Commercial and industrial waste management infrastructure has been highlighted as a priority for investment from the Green Investment Bank, noting that the aim of the Government is to move to a "zero waste economy" where the waste hierarchy is observed.

To ensure this happens and to encourage innovation in science and technology the Plan reiterates the significance of having appropriate waste reprocessing and treatment infrastructure built and operating effectively.

"For the first time we are identifying over 500 infrastructure projects we want to see built over the next decade and beyond. Roads, railways, airport capacity, power stations, waste facilities, broadband networks," Osborne announced.

Progress will be assessed in relation to waste infrastructure against requirements of the 1997 Landfill Directive and under targets to recycle 50 percent of household waste　and recover at least 70 percent of construction and demolition waste by 2020 under the revised Waste Framework Directive.

"The Government wants to move beyond the existing trajectory to deliver the vision of a zero waste economy, with emissions cut by further preventing waste arising and reducing the overall greenhouse gas impacts of waste treatment," the report states.

ESA's Director of Policy, Matthew Farrow, commented: "The Chancellor's publication of the National Infrastructure Plan and its focus on the need to invest in the UK's infrastructure is welcome. The recognition of the importance of new waste treatment facilities and the role they can play in stimulating green growth is something the industry has long been calling for. The waste sector is ready to invest but must be given the right investment climate to provide the potential boost to jobs and GDP that the industry is ready to make."

Unsurprisingly, in his statement, Osborne went on to voice concerns over green policies, labeling them as a "burden" and a "ridiculous cost" to British businesses.

"I am worried about the combined impact of the green policies adopted not just in Britain, but also by the European Union… if we burden [British businesses] with endless social and environmental goals - however worthy in their own right - then not only will we not achieve those goals, but the businesses will fail, jobs will be lost, and our country will be poorer."

Responding to this, Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion and leader of the Green party of England and Wales, said: "Today's budget announcement exposes just how dangerously colour blind the Chancellor really is when it comes to the green economy and the low carbon industries which can help lift us out of recession.

"And the fact that the Chancellor is taking £250m away from hard pressed families to fund a big cash boost for some of this country's most polluting industries - whilst also rushing through major cuts to the flourishing solar industry - simply beggars belief.

"Why agree on a much needed carbon tax to drag the UK's energy intensive industries into the 21st century and pay for their contribution to the climate crisis, and then be scared into giving millions back because a few vested interests like Tata call your bluff?

Darrel Moore