The charity, which is spearheading work carried out by a ‘Harmonisation and Consistency Working Group’ in Whitehall, said it was not looking for a ‘one size fits all approach’ to recycling.
And, despite Mr Stewart’s vision to introduce ‘five or six’ collection types across England, WRAP expects a ‘menu of options’ will be available for local authorities to consider depending on their local circumstances.
The disclosure follows revelations by letsrecycle.com that there has been “no push” within the working group to introduce mandatory kerbside sort systems in discussions held so far (see letsrecycle.com story).
The group has been looking at scenarios on how standardising material streams and containers could help improve the ‘quantity and quality’ of recycling and householder participation.
Marcus Gover, director of WRAP, said that the fully costed scenarios would make it easier for councils to comply with regulations, but added change would not happen overnight.
‘Constructive’
He said: “Over the last few months the group has met formally three times and we are all working together very constructively, with an eye on the prize; which is to improve recycling, minimise costs and make it easier for the public to recycle.
“We are not looking for a one size fits all approach. It is more about trying to identify a small number of approaches to recycling collections that will increase yields and quality, improve services while reducing costs and complying with regulations. We also recognise that change won’t happen overnight so we are looking for a vision that local authorities could work towards as contracts expire and services are refreshed.”
WRAP also announced that recommendations for harmonised collections are due to be presented to Defra ministers later this month, seeking to end speculation that the proposals will not be ready in time for the government’s Spending Review.
Once Defra receives the report and recommendations, the Minister will consider the findings and feedback back to the group in ‘due course’.
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