The system, called WasteDataFlow , will hold data centrally in an effort to reduce the number of different surveys that local authority waste management officers currently have to regularly complete.
The website was launched by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management in December (see letsrecycle.com story) and has received support from organisations including DEFRA, the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly, WRAP, LARAC and the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland.
The project originally received financial support from Biffaward through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme and has secured 588,000 from the LTCS Legacy Fund to fund its completion early this year.
Council waste officers will input data onto the website every three months, including the weight of waste handled and the relevant waste finances. It is thought the database will play an important role tracking councils against targets and legislation, including the Landfill Directive.
Trials
The system is now being trialled in Wales, Hampshire, East Sussex and three Northern Irish local authorities. It is expected to start collecting data from April this year on a national scale covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Welsh Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Carwyn Jones welcomed the new system which will help Welsh local authorities meet new obligations to submit data.
“The collection of waste data in Wales will become a mandatory requirement, which will make us unique within the UK. To help authorities meet our requirements, we have sought to improve the current system,” he said.
“I know from consultation with local authorities that the introduction of a single waste data collection survey is most welcome,” Mr Jones added, “The new WasteDataFlow system will make life easier for local authorities, replacing the current plethora of surveys that officials are asked to complete. It will also make the data collected much more reliable and consistent, and will enable fair comparisons between local authorities.”
Register for free to comment