CIWM Statement on the Waste Policy Review

15 June 2011

Following the announcement of the Government's Waste Policy Review yesterday at its annual conference, CIWM recognises Defra's commitment to broaden waste policy into the wider realms of resource efficiency. However, there is nothing radical or new in the document.

If the aim of this review was to establish whether existing policy is adequate to enable England to meet its obligations under various EU Directives and keep up with other member states, then the answer appears to be yes.

What this review doesn't do, however, is to identify how England will aspire to become a thought leader and top performer in sustainable waste and resource management. Given the austere times for all sectors, this may not be surprising, but CIWM believes that much remains to be done, including the development of a robust waste prevention strategy and real measurable goals for tackling commercial and industrial waste.

The ongoing concerns of our industry regarding the impact of localism, changes to the planning system and the financing of future infrastructure, all of which could act as a significant choke on growth and progress in our sector, have not been addressed. We are also concerned that the industry remains locked in unresolved conflict over waste and recycling collections, deflecting our attention away from the necessary measures to tackle the other 90% of England's waste.

There is clearly more detail to follow on specific initiatives and we will definitely be looking for more substance to complement the high level document published yesterday.

ENDS

Press contact:
Pat Jennings
Mob: 07912 228260