The role of sustainable waste management in the wider environmental agenda has been recognised by Government with the publication of the revised National Waste Strategy for England, according to the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), but the new vision doesn’t yet provide a clear blueprint for achieving the objectives set out.

Welcoming the revised strategy, CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee said:
“We now have a comprehensive framework that underlines the importance of the decisions we make about waste, and their impact on climate change, energy and natural resource consumption.

“However, more detail is needed in three key areas: the results of several proposed consultations that directly support delivery of the strategy, particularly how and when ‘household financial incentives’ could be introduced; confirmation of future funding plans for local authorities who have a key role to play; and how the high level recycling and recovery targets proposed for a wider range of wastes can be achieved.”

The CIWM has been calling consistently for a significant shift of emphasis in three key areas to reduce reliance on landfill and improve resource efficiency:

• A strategy that puts more emphasis on both waste prevention and treatment options for residual waste.
We are glad to see a stronger focus on preventing waste before it happens, but we believe this is an area that requires still greater emphasis in the future. We are also pleased that the strategy maintains the upward momentum on recycling and re-use, and recognises the role of energy recovery from residual waste once no further recycling is feasible.

• A strategy that embraces all of the waste we create, not just the 10% in our household bins.
The revised strategy does recognise the need to integrate the management of business and household waste to provide economies of scale for financial and environmental benefit at local, regional and national level. However, we need to see more detail on how this can be achieved.

• A strategy with clear policy and operational links into government thinking on related issues.
The Government has launched two White Papers on energy and planning in the same week as the revised waste strategy, and more are due in the coming months, including the Local Government White Paper. This demonstrates stronger policy ties between different Government departments, which will be critical if we are to develop a more coherent approach to sustainable resource and waste management.

“The Government has delivered a strategy that sets us on the path towards a resource efficient economy, but it remains to be seen how far down the path it can lead us. One of our major concerns is that as a nation we have had waste management on the cheap for too long and local authorities in particular need the right resources if we are to deliver a better and more sustainable future.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers.  CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Contacts:

Steve Lee, CIWM Chief Executive
Tel: 01604 620426
E-mail: steve.lee@ciwm.co.uk

Chris Murphy, CIWM Deputy Chief Executive
Tel: 01604 620426  Mob: 07860 519279
E-mail: chris.murphy@ciwm.co.uk