Called the Waste and Resources Assessment Tool for the Environment (WRATE), the tool allows waste managers to model the effect of different methods of managing their waste – from collection through to disposal.
 The WRATE software can calculate what kind of environmental burdens certain waste management options can have |
The software is designed to help councils tackle climate change and meet their waste targets as set by the government.
Users enter information about the waste – the waste stream, material-type and grades – as well as details about collection arrangements, transport and final recovery or disposal. The software then calculates the burden on the environment from the process.
Liz Parkes, head of waste at the Environment Agency said; “We have to divert millions of tonnes of waste from landfill over the next few years. While we need to reduce the amount of waste we create in the first place, we must also ensure that we manage the waste we do produce in the most environmentally responsible way.”
She explained: “WRATE will help those managing household waste, particularly local authorities, by comparing the potential environmental impacts such as global warming, acid rain or the nitrification of our rivers and how these impacts can be altered by changing the way they manage the waste.”
Technology
WRATE allows waste managers to drag and drop icons representing different waste management methods to calculate the environmental impacts. The software includes the latest waste technologies and is designed so that new technologies to the market can easily be added.
The kit already covers 32 types of waste containers, 25 forms of transport, 24 different recycling processes and 43 waste treatment and recovery processes.
John Ferguson, waste resources unit manager at the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency said: “Waste managers will be able to use WRATE to plan the next generation of waste management facilities knowing the full environmental impacts of their decisions.”
He added: “This must help develop the integrated, sustainable waste management systems we need to meet the challenges of the Landfill Directive and climate change”.
Wales
Meanwhile, new guidelines to help local authorities improve the planning and operation of waste facilities were also unveiled this week by a government partnership including the Environment Agency Wales.
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Designed to help the waste sector combat the shortage of waste processing and recycling facilities in Wales, the guide includes tips on community engagement over planning and an introduction to new waste technologies.
Kevin Bishop, director if environment and regeneration at the Welsh Local Government Association, who has helped to develop the guidelines, said: “It is vital that local authorities encourage consumers to take the next step, that is to accept that we need to invest in the technology and plant required to manage recyclate, biodegradables and residual waste – sustainable.”
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