Sir John Harman, chairman of the Environment Agency, called for three major shifts in waste strategy at a Waste Policy Forum yesterday (December 10). And he called for organisations wanting to change policy to work with the Agency.
Sir John said: “The Agency is determined to be a key player in the policy change process. So, for stakeholders wanting to influence policy on the environment and sustainable development, we invite you to work with us.” The Cabinet Office has said that it will work closely with the Agency and its recommendations in reviewing the waste strategy.
The forum looked at drivers of waste policy and opportunities for policy change. Sir John said that there needs to be a strategic shift from a focus on compliance to one on outcomes. He said that he would like to see success measured in terms of delivery of environmental and Quality of Life outcomes rather than regulatory activity. And he related this to the practical issue of increasing recycling and reduce the need for incineration.
Sir John also said that there needs to be a shift to include community engagement and culture into the heart of the Waste Strategy. “Re-use, recycling and composting must be recognised as much more than simply waste management. Engaging the public as active participants to consider what we shall do with our waste is key to getting wider culture change.”
And he made it clear that economic incentives need to be right as cheap disposal is hampering investment in the market for recycled materials. “Waste disposal is too cheap and there is insufficient value in the markets to justify the investments needed. As we put the right incentives and markets in place, we will shift the Best Practicable Environmental Option up the waste hierarchy over time.”
He added: “The Cabinet Office review of waste policy must be given the political backing to explore the tough policy recommendations outlined in our position statement and 10 Point Plan – such as a tax on all forms of final waste disposal, not just landfill. Now is the time to face these tough options if we are to stand a chance of turning the waste problem around. We therefore very much welcome the invitation by Cabinet Office PIU to work with them on their waste project.”
10 Point Plan
The Agency has produced a 10 Point Plan on issues and solutions for sustainable waste management. The plan is as follows:
Issue: There is a lack of focus on the environmental outcomes we want to see achieved.
Solution: Compliance with targets and legislation should be in the context of an overall strategy – but first we need to focus on the environmental outcomes to be achieved. Progress towards greater sustainability should be monitored against a set of waste indicators and targets for environmental outcomes – aimed at waste producers as much as waste managers.
Continued on page 2
Subscribe for free