Viridor Pleased With The Waste Reviews Light Touch

15 June 2011

Viridor broadly welcomed the Government's waste policy review, whilst raising waste exports as an issue of growing importance

Chief Executive Colin Drummond said: "Viridor is pleased that the waste policy review indicates a clear and consistent, yet 'light touch', approach, acknowledging that the current main drivers are proving effective. We welcome the renewed focus on recycling and recovery of commercial wastes. The UK has made good progress towards higher levels of recycling, recovery and resource efficiency over the last decade, and we need to keep this momentum going. Landfills bans are likely to be an unnecessary distraction.

"Continued improvement of cost-effective and convenient recycling services, greater utilisation of waste as fuel for renewable energy production and tight environmental protection standards, especially targeting illegal disposal and activity; these are the common-sense principles that will help more UK households and businesses to continue recycling more and wasting less. Our sector offers real potential for green growth. The jobs and investment that will come from more essential recycling and energy from waste infrastructure, alongside the environmental benefits these provide, can make a real contribution to the 'green economy' in the coming years.

"We are however disappointed that the policy review missed an opportunity to address the issue of the recent practice of exporting residual waste. Investors need regulatory certainty if they are to continue to invest in UK waste treatment infrastructure. We need to break down the barriers to getting adequate levels of infrastructure in the UK in order to address this practice, otherwise we risk losing UK job and investment opportunities. Why export a largely renewable fuel source, only to import fossil fuels and power? We hope the Government and industry will take practical steps to address this."