International Review of Waste Management Policy - Department of ...

6.3.1.1 Waste Prevention
Specifically in relation to waste prevention, the document is somewhat inconsistent,
making one or two strong statements, but also omitting references in what might be
considered key contexts. The document made reference to the statutory objective of
the local authorities’ waste management plans under the Waste Management Act.
The first of these is ‘to prevent and minimise the production of waste and its harmful
effects.’ However, the document also advises that where landfill capacity issues exist,
these should be dealt with, in the first instance, through maximising composting and
materials recovery. Waste prevention, somewhat strangely, is not mentioned in this
context. In the final Section, also, in discussing ‘a preferred planning approach’,
waste prevention is not mentioned.
On the positive side, the document does raise the issue of charging for waste
management in line with the level of use, specifically highlighting the potential
incentive effect this may create:
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“As a matter of equity, and in order to directly incentivise waste reduction, the
level of waste charges should vary according to usage. […]
Where local authorities provide waste collection services, they should review
their approach to household and commercial waste charges with a view to
introducing weight related charging to the fullest extent possible. Similarly,
every effort should be made to ensure that landfill gates fees are levied in
relation to the quantity of waste accepted for disposal.”
The document also highlights the role of local authorities in involving households in
waste prevention activities. Considerable weight was, therefore, placed upon
informing and educating the public:
“The key to mobilising the general public to take a more responsible approach
to waste, and support waste minimisation and recovery, is sustained public
information and education. Local authorities that have not already done so
should develop an on-going public awareness programme, aimed at
generating a clear appreciation of the nature and scale of the waste problem,
and providing practical guidance on the day to day choices which can be
exercised by individuals and households.”
6.3.1.2 Waste Recycling
Changing Our Ways states that performance with regard to recovery and recycling
must be substantially improved to address the requirements of Government Policy.
The policy document sets out the following targets for recycling over a fifteen year
timescale (i.e. by 2013):
� Diverting 50% of household waste away from landfill;
� Recycling of 35% of municipal waste; and
� The development of waste recovery facilities employing environmentally
beneficial technologies, as an alternative to landfill, including the development
of composting and other feasible biological treatment facilities.
One of the main objectives set out in Changing Our Ways, 1998, is reducing, reliance
on landfill in the short to medium term while encouraging alternative systems and