Waste management - England Golf

Introduction
Dealing with waste
On a national level
England
The National Waste Strategy 2000—England can be viewed on-line at DEFRA’s
website (www.defra.gov.uk). The strategy describes the vision for managing waste
and resources and sets out the changes needed to deliver more sustainable
development. The government has set challenging targets to increase the recycling
of municipal waste, to recycle or compost at least 25% of household waste by 2005,
30% by 2010 and 33% by 2015.
Wales
“Wise About Waste”: the National Waste Strategy for Wales, published in June 2002,
can be viewed on-line at the National Assembly for Wales’ website at
www.wales.gov.uk. The strategy sets the direction for developing sustainable waste
management practices in Wales. Minimum targets have been set to increase the
recycling and composting of municipal waste to 25% by 2007 and 40% by 2010.
On a local level
Remember, waste is an issue
that affects us all and every
individual has a
responsibility to take action
to deal with their own
contribution. This is not a
problem which should be
dealt with by “the club down
the road” or somebody else in
general.
Golf is a game which is inherently played in natural and beautiful surroundings. If the
environment in which a golfer plays his or her round is degraded by local or
widespread tipping and inappropriate waste management, then the quality of the golf
course will rapidly decrease, giving rise to knock-on effects, such as loss of revenue
and reputation within the industry. Unfortunately, the member in question, whose
enjoyment of a game may have been spoilt by the sight of decomposing grass
clippings or litter strewn within the rough, will often point the finger squarely at the
greenkeeping team. It is imperative, therefore, that waste management is given
consideration at all levels of the golf club, including the members and visitors
themselves.
Embedding the culture of sustainable waste management operations is often the
most difficult task facing the waste manager at a golf club. A top down approach
must be adopted as only by the club owner/secretary, chairman of the green, etc.
setting an example will the remainder of the golf club take the movement seriously
and adopt best practice themselves.
Nominating responsibility and development of policies based upon well-researched
information and advice will provide a sound basis for sustainable operations in the
future. Imagine the difference the golf industry could make if each of the 2,100 golf
clubs in England and Wales took it upon themselves to take action on one waste
management issue, by developing a policy for recycling of glass bottles for example.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Best Practice Approach for English and Welsh Golf Clubs
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