The way recycling and waste management operates in the UK is driven by legislation which largely derives from European Union directives. The key directive is the Waste Framework Directive which is to be revised during 2006.

The  Landfill Directive (Council Directive 1993/31/EC) is important to local authorities as it is requiring them to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill. As a consequence, most councils now offer kerbside recycling and an increasing number are collecting garden waste for composting. Other notable directives cover end of life vehicles and waste electronics.

In 2006 exactly how the UK will implement the directive on electrical waste is likely to be finalised after considerable delay.

The framework directive

The overriding directive which brought in controls on recycling and waste management throughout the EU is the Framework Directive on Waste (Council directive 75/442/EEC as amended by council directive 91/156/EEC and adapted by council directive 96/350/EC). The contents of the framework directive were implemented in the UK through the Environmental Protection Act 1990, amended by the Environment Act 1995 and also by various regulations.

Within the EU at the moment more than 20 separate waste related subjects are under discussion ranging from hazardous wastes through to proposals for a directive on the marking of plastics.

letsrecycle.com provides coverage of legislation as it develops and has one of the most comprehensive sources of information about the progress of legislation available.