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

seem that there is little or no basis to be confident that the Regions are seeking to
implement the NBS as it stands.
In summary (see also Annex 59.0):
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� Some of the older targets were lacking in ambition. In particular, the recycling
targets have probably been met substantially as a consequence of the hike in
landfill gate fees which has increased the benefits associated with avoided
disposal. All of the targets should probably have been revisited at the latest in
2002, long after the full shape of the Landfill Directive was widely known.
Other targets have lacked force – and would probably not be met in the
absence of further significant policy change - since there has been no
mechanism to implement them. The presumption has been that the regions
will integrate these into their plans. However, the regions have generally
lacked the competence and tools to ensure that these targets are met, whilst
no sanction is on the horizon to incentivise compliance on their behalf; and
� The newer targets in the NBS – like many of the older targets – are not
addressed at anyone in particular. Since no sanctions are to be applied
(because it is not clear to whom the targets attach, and hence, who would be
the subject of any sanction), then it seems reasonable to question whether
any targets set out in the NBS will be met, let alone, how they would be
considered by the Regions. The lack of any ‘cascading downwards’ of the
targets is effectively confirmed through the absence of evidence that Regions
have adapted their Waste Management Plans to align them with the NBS
(since, presumably, had they done so, this would have been made clear in
Annual Implementation Reports, which few regions have actually prepared).
51.5 Current and Proposed Policy Measures
As regards residual waste treatment, there are no targets which fall upon
organisations who might be deemed appropriate addressees for such targets. There
are three policy instruments in the offing which may serve to enhance the prospects
of Landfill Directive targets being met.
51.5.1 Waste Levy
Following a Consultation on a Waste Levy, a Regulatory Impact Analysis has been
developed for both a levy on plastic bags, and ‘a levy on certain waste facilities’. 875
The principal objective of the proposed Waste Facility Levy (WFL) is to support the
Government’s goal of meeting the biodegradable municipal waste diversion targets
under the EU Landfill Directive. Furthermore, it was a defined constraint of the RIA
that the WFL should be structured such that, in accordance with the commitment
outlined in the Programme for Government (2007), the Landfill Levy will not be
altered in such a way as to give competitive advantage to incineration. Thus the WFL
875 AP EnvEcon (forthcoming) Regulatory Impact Analysis on Proposed Legislation to Increase Levies
on Shopping Bags and Certain Waste Facilities, Final Report.
International Review of Waste Policy: Annexes