Speaking to letsrecycle.com at Westminster yesterday (January 12), the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton said the committee’s inquiry into Defra’s performance had uncovered a “bewildering array of practices” across the waste industry.
However, she went on to congratulate the government for its work in helping to boost recognition of waste as a resource, and believes England is on course to achieve its 50% recycling target by 2020.
Ms McIntosh’s comments came following Defra’s response to the committee findings yesterday (January 12), in which the department remained coy over the future of its waste policy direction (see letsrecycle.com story).
The response made clear that Defra would not commit to any new policies until a more ‘ambitious’ circular economy package had been agreed by the EU Commission – which may not be produced until the end of 2015.
Disappointment
A number of waste industry members voiced their disappointment with the response, including the Environmental Services Association’s new executive director Jacob Hayler.
Mr Hayler said: “It is disappointing that Defra remains focused narrowly on meeting our European targets and continues to forego opportunities for the UK to take a lead on resource issues. It is apparent from its response to the EFRA Committee report that the Government continues to see waste as a potential cost and not an opportunity.”
A spokesperson for Defra added the department had made ‘significant progress’ over the past 10 years in helping local authorities and householders recycle more – and was committed to meeting its existing targets.
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