The SWMA is a document that presents detailed information about the types, quantities and movements of waste being produced as well as how waste is being managed in the different regions. The aim is to provide relevant data for industry and others to determine and implement waste strategies
Taking “The East of England SWMA“ as an example, this shows that the region produced 21 million tonnes of waste in 1998/9. Of the 17 million tonnes of controlled waste handled at licensed waste management sites in the region during 1998-99, 12 million were landfilled, 1.2 million were treated, 2.6 million were transferred and around one million were received at metal recycling sites.
The East of England SWMA also examines the movements of waste within the region and the import and export of wastes into and out of the region. For example, using the Agency's special waste tracking system, it was found that the movement of special waste is dominated by massive imports for treatment or disposal from London (source of 62% of all imports).
Chris Saville, regional waste planning officer, said: “Waste management decisions are becoming increasingly complex and important. The Environment Agency is acting to provide local authorities, industry, Government and the public with more accurate information on which to base sustainable planning and waste management investment decisions.” He added: “SWMAs are the first of a series of initiatives we will be taking to help progress towards sustainable waste management.”
Each SWMA document includes:
– Detailed results from the Agency's National Waste Production Survey
– An analysis of hazardous waste production and management
– Information on all licensed waste management facilities – including the amounts of the different wastes received and the estimates of remaining life
– Details of municipal waste management from the DETR's annual survey
– Modelling of municipal waste management showing the effects of the Landfill Directive
– Regionally representative examples of the environmental consequences of different municipal waste management systems calculated using the Agency's life cycle assessment software – WISARD.
The SWMAs are described by the Agency as “one of a series of products from the Environment Agency designed to assist more sustainable waste management”. Other products will include a set of interactive tools on the Agency's web site.
Copies of the regional Strategic Waste Management Assessments are available (priced £50 each or £350 per complete set of ten). They were produced by the Environment Agency R & D Dissemination Centre. To obtain the assessments, please contact the Agency's contact centre on tel: 08708 506506
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