” Landfill is currently our preferred option as it is more economically viable, with recycling facilities so few and far between “
– Dr Gus Atri, Food and Drink Federation
The industry, which generates about 10% of all industrial and commercial waste, has welcomed plans to promote waste reduction and recycling through Defra's Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS).
But a leading industry trade association warned yesterday that attempts to meet the strategy's targets, which include cutting waste by 15-20% by 2010, are being undermined by a lack of treatment facilities as well as comparatively cheap landfill.
Dr Gus Atri, chair of the Food and Drink Federation’s waste topic group, said: “We really need improved recycling infrastructure from the government to make this a reality.
“Landfill is currently our preferred option as it is more economically viable, with recycling facilities so few and far between,” he warned.
Cost
Addressing the Associate Parliamentary Sustainable Waste Group in Westminster, Mr Atri added: “Sustainability is not a new concept for us. The cost of waste disposal is huge, but waste production costs are much higher. We have been addressing the principles for some time and have agreed to provide our expertise so that Defra's expectations are met.”
One of the challenges in meeting the requirements of the strategy is the current lack of data on waste arisings and the availability of treatment. Defra said it was still early days for the strategy.
| Related links: |
Andrew Dunn, who heads up the FISS work for Defra, told the meeting: “People have been very enthusiastic for best practise across the industry. Invitations to join the initiative only went out 12 days ago so we have no official figures. I’m hoping we can make good progress.”
Subscribe for free