FCC assesses political landscape around waste sector

The ‘Mapping the politics of waste’ report, published yesterday (November 18) examines the Coalition Government’s waste policy and the manifestos of the five main political parties on recycling targets, waste, resource efficiency and investment.

FCC commissioned the research due to “uncertainty” surrounding the future of the waste industry, particularly since Defra opted to ‘step back’ from the sector in late 2013 (see letsrecycle.com story). The report also looks at the possible outcomes of increased devolution for Scotland and the fallout from any potential referendum on EU membership.

On the outcome of the general election, the report concludes that a Conservative-led government is likely to exercise further cuts in public spending, whereas a Labour government would be more likely to push the business case for waste.

Speaking to letsrecycle.com, Kristian Dales, sales and marketing manager at FCC, said: “Historically we have been fairly silent on these issues. We are six months away from a general election, and the policies that sit with the parties will have a significant impact on the future. We thought it seemed like a good time to start the debate.”

Policy

In terms of what the waste industry would need to see from any potential government in future, Mr Dales added: “We are looking consistency because that is what leads to stability that is needed for investment.

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“There is a lot of listening, thinking and engaging with industry that has been happening for the last four years, and we are waiting now for the next incoming government to set the direction for the waste industry.”

The report also highlights the impact of potential increases in recycling targets, as proposed by the European Commission in the summer, and attempts to shift towards a ‘circular economy’ which FCC describes as a ‘make or break’ opportunity for the waste industry.

Paul Taylor, FCC’s chief executive, added: “Whatever the result of the 2015 general election, the industry needs consistency regarding legislative and economic drivers to encourage investment in infrastructure and market growth. It’s the responsibility of the waste management and resource sector to work with the existing framework of regulations to drive up recycling and energy recovery rates.”