In a policy document released this week, the LGA said that councils need a clear framework for waste management beyond the 2005-06 statutory recycling targets.
It said: “The LGA believes decisions on future recycling targets, and other related issues, need to be taken urgently, so local authorities and their partners have clarity they need to deliver on the ground.”
” The LGA believes decisions on future recycling targets, and other related issues, need to be taken urgently “
– Local Government Association
The government's Waste Strategy 2000 has recommended recycling targets of 30% of household waste for 2010 and a minimum recycling rule of 33% to be reached by all local authorities in the longer term.
But the LGA said that while it supports a minimum recycling level in the case of weaker councils it believes new Statutory Performance Standards for all councils should only be set as a “last resort”.
The LGA said: “The LGA supports a statutory minimum recycling level for local authorities, providing this is framed within an enabling environment which recognises the challenge it will pose for some authorities whose recycling performance is much higher.
“Statutory Performance Standards for recycling should only be set as a last resort, and the focus should be on providing support and funding to deliver much higher rates,” it added.
The LGA's executive manager for waste and environmental management Alice Roberts explained that the LGA believes setting a minimum level will give a push to poor performing councils without adding extra burdens to high recycling councils.
Ms Roberts told letsrecycle.com: “Members of the Waste Executive are not wanting a blanket law. We are saying it should be applied where it is needed.”
She explained that new legislation should recognise that some councils have already been set challenging targets under PFI contracts and local authority service agreements.
ESA
Representing waste management companies, the Environmental Services Association has praised the LGA for putting pressure on the government to take decisions on long term waste policy.
The ESA's head of policy Mike Walker told letsrecycle.com: “The LGA has hit the nail on the head in calling on the government to make urgent decisions for waste.”
However, he said statutory recycling targets are an important part of improving waste management performance, and the ESA agrees that local authorities should be recycling at least 30% by 2010.
Mr Walker said: “We need a combination of carrots and sticks, which would include statutory targets backed up by appropriate finding and grants. This is the best way for recycling levels to improve.”
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