Projected figures based on DEFRA statistics reveal that on current trends, the UK could miss its municipal waste recovery target by as much as 11 million tonnes, with a shortfall of over 3 million tonnes in material being recycled or composted.
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Source: ESA projections based on DEFRA statistics from 1996/97 to 2000/01
“ESA is extremely disappointed at the continuing lack of progress,” said the Association's chief executive, Dirk Hazell. “Our figures show just how much work needs to be done. We can only hope the Strategy Unit will help to turn the Government’s aspirational words into performed deed.”
The Strategy Unit's waste team is putting the final touches to its waste review, looking at the UK's implementation of the European Landfill Directive and the best way forward for England's Waste Strategy 2000 (see letsrecycle.com story)
. The Unit's report is expected to be published in early November and will precede the government's announcement about waste funding for local authorities made available by the Treasury's Spending Review.
However, the ESA chief expressed his disappointment over the Strategy Unit's delay in publishing its report and called on the government to show stronger leadership.
“The UK's waste management industry is ready and willing to invest up to 1 billion every year to return more material and energy in waste to the economy,” he said. “We can do this only if the Government shows leadership and ensures the right regulations are in place.
Mr Hazell also warned that European countries are continually putting the UK to shame.
He said: “EU countries such as Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands already comply with the targets of the Landfill Directive on the diversion of biodegradable waste. The UK sends about 80% of its municipal solid waste to landfill: Denmark sends 80% of its MSW to resource re-use technologies.”
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