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

has been recognised that recycled or reused aggregate is often used in low grade
applications as a result of poor sorting. 813
47.6 Implementation Costs
The review undertaken by the Dutch Working Party on National Environmental Policy
was unable to identify exact administrative costs of implementation of the policy.
However, it was recognised that cost was likely to be more significant at the beginning
of the supply chain. The policy requires proof of quality to be submitted to local
authorities by owners of the project which should be provided to them by the
contractor, who in turn should receive them from the manufacturer.
47.7 Effects on Technical Change / Innovation
The introduction of quality standards for recycled aggregate is a relatively new
initiative, and as shown above, has infrequently been implemented as a policy. It has
become feasible to introduce this as a policy due to the advanced aggregate testing
technologies that have been developed, e.g. laboratory testing to assess the size and
shape of aggregate particles. 814
It is thought that the development of such standards is an innovative approach which
can be complementary to, as well as offering a (weaker) alternative to, more
established policies such as waste disposal taxes, aggregate taxes, and bans. 815
47.8 Social and Distributional Consequences
The main aim of the introduction of aggregate standards is to reduce stigma attached
to the recycled product, therefore encourage increased use. In principle, this should
take place at the expense of primary aggregates, so that the primary industry would
be expected to be affected if the policy is successful.
Reports reviewed have not highlighted any specific distributional issues as a direct
result of the policy (and the differing implementation).
47.9 Complementary Policies
Aggregate quality standards are considered to be at the end of a chain of policies
effective within the C&D sector. They work to increase confidence in aggregates
813 AEA Technology (2007) International Approaches to Waste Prevention and Minimisation, Final
Report for Defra (BREW), Accessed 15th October 2008,
http://www.crwplatform.co.uk/conwaste/assets/Publications/2006-7-Reports/International-
Approaches-to-Waste-Prevention-and-Minimisation.pdf
814 B. Schouenborg and A. Akesson (2004) Aggregate Research in Support of European Standardisation,
Accessed 21 st January 2009,
http://www.springerlink.com/content/2ul0qchmepkkbffh/fulltext.pdf?page=1
815 OECD & Dutch Working Party on National Environmental Policy (2002) Case Studies on Policy Instruments for
Environmentally Sustainable Buildings, Accessed 21 st January 2009,
http://www.olis.oecd.org/olis/2001doc.nsf/LinkTo/NT00000C46/$FILE/JT00128202.PDF
671
International Review of Waste Policy: Annexes