A long-term target of 75% recycling and composting has been set for all government departments with additional targets for increased green procurement of recycled products.
Mrs Beckett said: “All government departments will now be required to raise their game by increasing their recycling and composting by at least 5% per annum with an aim of 75% overall. Each department will have to justify publicly its actions and the timescales it sets itself to deliver the targets.”
Items and materials that are the subject of increased efforts for recycling and green procurement include obsolete office machinery and equipment, paper and cardboard, toner cartridges, copiers and printers, plastics and tin cans.
“Local authorities and householders nationwide are adapting to a new culture of recycle and re-use for much of their household rubbish. The transition away from landfill has been slower than we anticipated and wanted, but in recent years has speeded up, with positive signs for the future,” said Mrs Beckett.
“Today it is time for government to lead by example in its own back yard. We will ensure our own waste management is sustainable and this means turning our backs on landfill. Dumping everything in a giant hole in the ground is no longer acceptable environmentally or socially,” she added.
Other targets announced last week include that by all departments will draw up and publish a sustainable waste management strategy by October 2004 and they must reverse the upward trend in waste arisings by at least one per cent per annum.
In addition all departments must now include waste minimisation clauses in waste management contracts, including Public Private Partnerships and Private Finance Initiatives.
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