Waste review prompts pessimism
By Rebecca Burns
A government waste review has been greeted with pessimism by local representatives, who have warned of the enormity of the task ahead.
Councillor Gary Porter, chairman of the Local Government Association environment board, had a sobering message in response to environment secretary Caroline Spelman’s upbeat launch of a “path towards a zero waste economy”.
But Mr Porter highlighted the huge environmental challenge facing the government, pointing out “Britain still sends more household waste to landfill than any other country in the European Union”.
The councillor also expressed concerns about the effect of punitive fining on both councils and taxpayers in the taut financial climate.
“Not only are we fast running out of space to dump our rubbish in the ground, but taxpayers face huge financial penalties if targets to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill are not met,” he added.
“With the current financial squeeze that all councils are facing, it is more important than ever that they work with residents to make sure as much rubbish as possible is recycled to avoid being hit by heavy fines.”
However, Ms Spelman emphasised the scheme would be based around incentives to prevent waste rather than punishment for being wasteful.
Ms Spelman said: “Reducing waste needs to be made as easy as possible for people, it should be driven by incentives not penalties and common sense rather than coercion.”
The review will consider measures to incentivise individuals to prevent waste, cut packaging around household goods and appliances and remove the clutter of wheelie bins from the street.
The government officially began its review of waste policies today, requesting feedback from the public on everything from household waste to future infrastructure needs.
Despite its ambitious aims and large remit, Ms Spelman insisted the review was an “exciting opportunity” that “makes environmental and economic sense”.
