The consultation on consistent collections has been broadly welcomed by the waste industry, though concerns have been raised over funding and the deadline for responses.
The consultation outlines proposals for more consistent waste and recycling collections in England
In the long-awaited consultation released on Friday (7 May), which will run until 4 July, Defra confirms the proposal of weekly food waste collections for all, free garden waste collections, and a preference for more frequent than fortnightly collections in urban areas.
While welcoming efforts to improve recycling, the Local Government Association (LGA) warned that any new requirements must be fully funded by Defra.
Cllr David Renard, environment spokesperson for the LGA said: “We are pleased to see a push from government to improve on the already encouraging 15.5 million tonnes of waste, recycling, reusing and composting collected by councils in 2019/20. We support the ambition to increase recycling and eliminate all avoidable waste by 2050.
“However, it is councils who know their local areas best and should be able to decide locally on how recycling and household waste is collected and what works for their residents. Any new requirements must also be fully funded.”
‘Significant challenge’
Following frustration around the documents delay, recycling compliance scheme Ecosurety expressed relief at its publication.
Robbie Staniforth expressed relief at the consultation’s publication
Robbie Staniforth, head of innovation and policy, added that resource managers have a “significant challenge” on their hands to prioritise packaging ahead of the consultation deadlines.
He explained: “We are relieved that the consultation has finally been launched today. The delay was unfortunate but we can now get down to the task of analysing the impact of these changes to how citizens will interact with packaging.”
‘As soon as possible’
Meanwhile in the organics sector, the Renewable Energy Association (REA) welcomed proposals on food and garden waste collections, saying they “represent the next steps in ensuring as much good and garden waste as possible is captured”.
Head of organics and natural capital at the REA, Jenny Grant, urged the department to roll this out as soon as possible.
“There are multiple benefits of treating these materials through composting and anaerobic digestion, not only reducing the harmful effects of landfill but enabling the production of renewable fertilisers, soil improvers and renewable energy,” she said.
Ms Grant added: “As ever, the key to success is in the details and we look forward to working through these with our members.”
‘Crucial’
John Scanlon, chief executive of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said he is optimistic the government’s consistent approach to collections will be “key” in reducing confusion amongst consumers around recycling.
John Scanlon is optimistic that the proposals will reduce confusion around recycling
However, Mr Scanlon noted that with just a month left on the extended producer responsibly (EPR) and deposit return scheme (DRS) consultations, the waste sector has a “concentrated period of time to examine them against each other”.
He explained: “As the final piece in the puzzle of the trio of reforms to our waste and recycling system, we now have to focus on getting right the cumulative outcome of all three consultations, consistency of collections, deposit return schemes and extended producer responsibility , to ensure manufacturers, local authorities and service providers can deliver coherent, well-designed systemic change.”
‘Collaboratively’
Fellow waste management giant Biffa, warned that for consistent collections to achieve the right solutions, the government must work collaboratively with the industry.
“It is crucial that government works collaboratively with waste management companies”
Jeff Rhodes, head of environment and external affairs, explained: “It is crucial that Government works collaboratively with waste management companies like Biffa, who deliver the front line services and build and operate the UK’s recycling infrastructure.”
“The latest consultation helps set out materials which local authorities and businesses will have to recycle by law. The sooner these measures are rolled out, the sooner higher recycling levels can be achieved.”
SECURE YOUR PLACE
The Resources & Waste Strategy Revisited Conference is taking place online on 12 May 2021. This full day conference will explore responses to the consultations and aims to bring the industry together for networking and discussions on all three documents. Visit HERE for details.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
