The Commission's inspectors reported this week that Merseyside had a “fair” one star service, with “promising” prospects for improvement.
The announcement comes just a few weeks after the Defra picked Merseyside WDA out as one of five authorities in England that are unlikely to achieve its 2010 landfill diversion target (see letsrecycle.com story).
Judith Tench, Audit Commission senior manager, said: “Three years ago the authority's prospects for improving waste management were uncertain, but it has reorganised and now has clear plans for the future.
“In particular, it is addressing the long term solutions to waste disposal in Merseyside. It has already introduced new technology and takes every opportunity to champion new and innovative techniques,” she added.
The Commission felt that Merseyside had a fair service because it has taken a lead in reducing tonnage of waste to landfill. It also commented that recycling levels are improving, although it also pointed out that the recycling rate remained below target level.
Applauded
Inspectors applauded the authority and its five councils – Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral – for their commitment to implementing a Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy.
Responding to the Commission's announcement Car Beer, director at Merseyside, said: “It is really encouraging that our capacity for improvement is being acknowledged, but we must not lose track of the amount of work required if we are to meet our targets in the future.”
Although the Commission inspectors were full of praise for Merseyside, they also warned that there were areas that still needed work.
They commented that household waste arisings remained high compared with other waste disposal authorities and that targets for recycling rates at household waste recycling centres were not being met.
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