Thinking outside the bin : towards a new strategy for waste, by John Hobson and Colin Roberts

Published April 2006

The waste industry needs strategic direction both in policy terms and institutionally, according to this report from Sustainability First. It proposes that a statutory National Sustainable Waste Board should be set up to facilitate investment, correct market failures, and promote sustainability.

The report concludes that the current situation of waste policy within Government is deeply fragmented - with sponsorship of the industry in DTI ; regulation with DEFRA and its agencies and local authorities; and the role of the ODPM on planning. It argues that the Government machinery needs to ensure that a clear economic and fiscal market and regulatory framework is provided for policy and the industry to work within- and that the regulatory operation is efficient and proportionate.

The report also concludes that :

• There is a need to better focus on the major waste streams and
  sectors and not just household waste.
• The Government needs to highlight the link between climate change
  and waste and educate the public about this. It should set targets and
  incentives for minimisation and re-use rather than exclusively for
  recycling.
• There is a need to produce a market climate that encourages
  investment.
• There is a need to encourage market transformation so that waste
  becomes a resource.

The report was sponsored by Biffa, the Environmental Services Association and the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA).

Copies available, price £10 (including P&P) from : Sustainability First (publication orders), c/o CHPA, 35-37 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W OBS

A PDF version can be downloaded by clicking here.

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