Coming after sector plans prepared for the cement, chemical and nuclear industries, the plan sets out a series of objectives for waste treatment and disposal operations over the next five years.
It has been developed with the industry's trade association, the Environmental Services Association, and includes voluntary measures, as well as some objectives that form part of existing regulations.
Objectives
The objectives include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, pollution incidents, materials wastage, illegal waste management and other environmental crimes.
The Agency also wants to improve the data available on waste production and management, enhance natural habitats around waste management sites and improve the relationship between companies, the Agency itself and local communities.
Other major objectives of the plans are to bring in quality environmental management systems and to improve health and safety within the industry.
Commenting on the plan, the Agency's head of waste regulation, Liz Parkes, said: “Although the sector itself does not have a huge negative impact on the environment, there are still a number of incidents that occur when handling waste. A key part of this plan is to take measures to reduce such incidents and their effects on the environment.
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“Also the plan aims to tackle the increasing number of illegal operators who undermine the legitimate waste management sector,” Ms Parkes added.
ESA chief executive Dirk Hazell said: “Our members have made impressive improvements in environmental performance going well beyond the requirements of the law. This Sector Plan helps to sustain improvement by offering shared understanding of what is to be achieved and structure for delivery.”
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