NLWA questions food waste impact assessment

In its response to the consultation, which closed on 4 July, the NLWA said while it supports the argument for increasing collections of separate food waste, it needs to be balanced with “practical considerations”, especially for estates and flats above shops.

It said that the government impact assessment does not reflect the additional cost of collecting food waste from these properties, or the additional education, outreach and infrastructure that will be required.

The authority argued that good waste collections should only be implemented for estates and flats above shops after local technical, economic, and environmental analyses are done.

Commingled

The authority also argues against a segregated collection approach, as it says a commingled service has “significant advantages”.

It said: “It is easy for residents to understand, cost-effective, requires fewer containers, avoids health and safety issues, protects the street scene from spillage and unsightly bags and boxes. The Government proposes separating materials would increase quality and income.

“However, in NLWA’s case where we largely operate in a ‘co-mingled’ collection environment, we are already successfully separating and selling recyclables at market rate.”

‘Properly protected’

The NLWA also highlighted that while the government has indicated that funding will be provided to cover capital, transition and new burden costs, the guarantee must be based on the actual costs incurred by local councils so that taxpayers interests are “properly protected”.

The authority said it is “very welcome” that Government is proposing new materials should be included in dry mixed recycling collections, however to make it success, the Government needs to take an active role in developing markets for these recycled materials, especially to create UK reprocessing opportunities.

Green waste

It concludes its response by urging that the government allows the decision to charge for green waste collection, and how much, to be taken locally.

It said: “Government argues that making garden waste collections free will automatically increase recycling tonnages. However, there is evidence that in north London – where garden waste makes up a much smaller proportion of overall tonnage than in much of England – green waste volumes collected have increased since residents using the garden waste service were asked to pay for the extra service which they receive, and which many residents simply don’t need.”

‘Crucial agenda’

NLWA chair, Cllr Clyde Loakes, said: “We welcome Defra’s attention to the circular economy agenda which we have been promoting for many years. We are pleased to able to respond to a consultation which invites views on measures to improve the collection and processing of recyclable materials generated by households and business.

“The Government must listen to local authorities who have the detailed knowledge of the areas they serve to deliver reforms successfully.  This is a crucial agenda.

“If the Government is serious about increasing recycling, it will also respond to the consultation by accepting our proposal that local authorities should have powers to ensure compulsory recycling by households and businesses.”