Responding to the Planning White Paper issued today, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has welcomed the proposal for a more strategic national approach to planning key infrastructure, but says that much of the new waste management capacity needed by the UK is not covered by the consultation.

“The UK lags behind much of Europe in how we manage our waste. We need to invest at least £10 billion in the next few years to develop an integrated network of recycling, energy recovery and disposal facilities that maximise efficiency and cost effectiveness, minimise environmental impact, and meet society’s needs,” says CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee.

“Planning uncertainties have been the biggest barrier to confident investment in the sector. This move by Government to address the failings of the existing system concentrates on nationally significant development and will, therefore, deal with a small number of large facilities. Many important waste infrastructure proposals, however, will fall outside the criteria in the White Paper and the Government needs to make clear the status of the proposed national policy statements for other (smaller) facilities.”

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

2. Current delivery periods for new non-hazardous waste management infrastructure range on average from over 3 years for a household waste recycling centre to over 9 years for a large energy from waste facility; with the planning process accounting for a large proportion of this delivery time.

Contacts:

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