The UK's approach to waste management traditionally was one of landfill. Now landfill volumes are starting to fall as recycling levels increases and the amount sent for incineration and energy recovery increases. (See below for landfill tax information)

In 2006 there was a reduction of 1% in the proportion of waste sent to landfill to 20.9m tonnes and this was expected to continue in 2007 and beyond, in the face of the binding obligations England has under the EU Landfill Directive. By 2010, England has to to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 75% of that produced in 1995; by 2013 this reduces to 50% and by 2020 to 35%.  The targets also apply to Wales and Scotland.

In April 2005 the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme was launched in England which sets limits on the amount of waste councils can landfill without buying extra permits if they need to from other councils. This scheme is seen as helping to promote other waste management solutions although permits were cheap for councils to buy in 2007.  

In the Spring of 2007 the government published its updated Waste Strategy. Local authorities were the main focus but there was also emphasis on increased diversion from landfill of non-municipal waste and to secure better integration of treatment for municipal and non-municipal waste. In October 2007 pre-treatment rules applied to business waste, meaning that businesses - or their contractor - had to carry out some treatment, such as sorting and recycling, before any waste could be landfilled.

Landfill Tax

The Landfill Tax, introduced in 1996, is encouraging waste producers to divert material from landfill and is a factor in making recycling more affordable, as there is often a cost to initiate recycling.

In April 2007 the tax rate for active waste increased by £3 to £24 per tonne. The rate for inactive waste is £2 per tonne. In April 2008 the active waste tax will rise by £8 to £32 per tonne. The government has said that the Landfill Tax will increase by £8 per tonne each year from April 2008 until at least 2010/11. The rate for inactive waste will increase to £2.50 per tonne in April 2008.

Landfill Tax applies to all waste:

• disposed of by way of landfill
• at a licensed landfill site
• on or after 1 October 1996
• unless the waste is specifically exempt (such as in dredging, quarrying and mining, pet cemeteries and reclamation of contaminated land – subject to conditions)

Useful contacts

The trade association for the waste management industry is the
Environmental Services Association.
More information about waste management can also be found on the website of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Telephone helplines include:

HMRC National Advice Service Enquiry Line: 0845 010 9000

Defra: 08459 33 55 77

Environment Agency: 08708 506 506

(last updated December 2007)