Latest Municipal Waste Management Statistics and the future of waste

Defra have this week published the latest estimates from the Department’s survey of municipal waste in England, incorporating data from the 2nd quarter of 2008/09.

Key findings include - Total municipal waste in the year to end of September 2008 down by 1.6% (0.5 million tonnes) - Household waste down by 0.4 million tonnes - Waste sent to landfill down by 0.9 million tonnes - Increase in household recycling rate from 34.5% between April 07 and March 08 to 36.3% between October 07 and September 08.

- Average residual household waste per person (ie the amount that is not recycled) decreased from 328 to 314kg over the same periods.

Full details of the statistical release can be viewed here http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/090507b.htm

In the same week, it is reported that members of the UK Contractors Group, a trade body established to influence policy and legislative changes in the construction industry, have committed to sign up to the WRAP Halving Waste to Landfill Commitment.

The UKCG, whose 25 members include major contractors such as Balfour Beatty, Carillion, and Skanska UK aims to demonstrate it’s commitment to the aim of halving waste to landfill by 2012 set by the joint Government and industry Strategy for Sustainable Construction.   WRAP themselves claim that over 100 organisations have signed up to the agreement.

Paul Malam, Partner in the firms Minerals & Waste Management Division commented

“We can expect to see many more press releases such as those from UKCG in the coming months and years. Monitoring these and the Defra Waste survey will be illuminating, and the future of the UK Waste Management Industry is extremely vibrant.

The UK is now committed to reducing the volumes of waste sent to landfill, as embodied in the Waste Strategy 2007. Landfill tax will continue to rise at £8 per tonne per year for biodegradeable wastes, meaning a total landfill tax approaching £50 per tonne by 2010.

“Recycling forms an important part of the drive to divert wastes from landfills, but the pressures brought to bear by the tightening Waste legislation, coupled with the increasing uncertainty over UK energy supply means many Companies and investors are looking at other ways of dealing with Waste such as Energy From Waste technologies”.

“These developments need careful planning and forethought, especially if full financial rewards are expected. Our team has advised the changing UK Waste industry for over 50 years, and have a wealth of experience in site identification and appraisal, acquisition and valuation and the planning / permitting process required for these projects.”