The Waste Infrastructure Development Programme has been formed following the recommendations of the Office of Government Commerce investigation of the municipal waste management under the Kelly team.
The new unit, part of Defra's Waste Implementation Programme, will particularly focus on supporting local authorities aiming to develop treatment plants for residual waste.
Defra believes up to 6 billion capital expenditure will be needed to reach the 2013 landfill diversion target of the Directive, while a further 5 billion investment could be needed to hit the 2020 target.
By 2013, the UK must cut its biodegradable landfill rates to just half of the level seen in 1995. By 202, it must cut landfill to just 35% of 1995 levels.
Councils are being offered assistance with decisions on which technology to use, the development and negotiation of necessary contracts and gain planning permission. They will also be given help on engaging with the local community regarding new waste plants and on operational issues.
As it assists local authorities in their development of new residual waste management facilities, the Development Programme will seek to establish the exact scale of new infrastructure needed nationwide, and will also aim to bring the public and private sectors closer together in achieving the demand's of Europe's Landfill Directive.
www.partnershipsuk.org.uk
Subscribe for free