High growth rate likely for composting schemes over next three years

Composting in the UK is growing fast and could grow by as much as 22% per annum over the next three years according to research by the Composting Association. And, councils who run schemes where householders can opt out of garden waste collection are on average achieving the highest collection rates. A growth rate of 22% would need at least 89 new centralised composted sites, based on the average centralised site in England which composted 6,000 tonnes of household waste in 1999. Explaining the research results, Rachel Slater of the Open University, said today at the Composting Association conference: “Although this is a rapid rate of growth, it is similar to the rate of growth observed in the industry from 1998 to 1999, and similar to the rate predicted for 2000. Therefore, if the industry maintains current levels of growth, it is on course to contribute one-fifth of the 17% recycling and composting target by 2003.” Ms Slater also reported on research as to which type of home composting scheme councils were looking at. She had found councils were moving away from supplying free or subsidised home composting units and were focusing on promoting home composting in principle only because it was excluded from best value performance indicators. Of those who run collection schemes, more waste was collected from schemes where households had the choice of opting out rather than schemes which were mandatory or on an opting-in basis. She said: “I think this highlights important issues for local authorities. It is particularly interesting to note that of the kerbside collection schemes planned to come on line, 50% are expected to be based on voluntary opt-in participation, and 20% are expected to have some charging mechanism. If the aim is to maximise quantities collected, is it worth questioning whether this is the best way forward?”