Waste industry outlines general election proposals

A joint letter, dated December 4, was sent out to policy makers with a list proposals the industry would like to see included in each party’s manifesto when they vie for seats in May next year.

Measures proposed include establishing an Office for Resource Management, expanding the market for reused and recycled products, and stimulating private investment in waste infrastructure.

The statement was signed by all six bodies that make up the Trade Association Group, including; the Environmental Services Association; the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management; Resource Association; Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association; Renewable Energy Association, and; the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Expansion

The letter reads: “The resource management industry makes a substantial contribution to the British economy. According to UKTI, the value of goods and services produced by the sector is over £12 billion a year, and it employs over 150,000 people. The industry is expected to continue to expand, with the Treasury forecasting growth of over 3% for waste management and 4% in recovery and recycling.

“As well as providing jobs and economic growth across the country, the industry supplies important raw materials for manufacturers in the UK and beyond, and helps to protect local communities from environmental blight.

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“For the resource management industry to maximise the economic, social, and environmental benefits it can deliver for Britain, it needs to work in partnership with central and local government, and with regulators.   A supportive policy framework is essential if the industry is to invest in the new facilities needed to improve the efficient use of resources in the UK economy. ”

Dissatisfaction

The letter follows recent dissatisfaction among industry members over the government’s commitment to the sector.

In November 2013, then incoming Defra resource minister Dan Rogerson wrote to the sector stating Defra would ‘cut back’ on waste activities. This prompted a quick response from the Trade Association Group, which wrote to the minister expressing its concern (see letsrecycle.com story).

The letter clarifies that the Group would be willing to provide further information on its proposals ‘if helpful’, and that it would continue to work collaboratively in the New Year to reinforce the important role of industry.

Proposals put forward for consideration are:

– Establish an Office for Resource Management, headed by a Minister, to lead and coordinate government policy on resource efficiency and waste prevention across departments

–  Expand the market for reused and recycled products and materials by reforminggovernment procurement rules, putting appropriate economic incentives in place, andplacing a sustained emphasis on public communication and engagement

 – Stimulate private investment in new waste treatment, recycling and reprocessingfacilities by setting long term policy goals and targets – along the lines recentlyproposed by the EU – working with industry and stakeholders to develop methods toachieve them

 – Protect local communities, safeguard the environment, and reduce tax evasion byensuring that enforcement bodies and local authorities are properly resourced to combat waste crime