Consultation on the introduction of restrictions on the landfilling of certain wastes

Summary

This joint Defra and Welsh Assembly Government consultation fulfils the Government’s commitment given in the Waste Strategy for England 2007 and the commitment of the Welsh Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing’s written cabinet statement of 2nd December 2009 to consult on whether the introduction of further restrictions on the landfilling of biodegradable and recyclable wastes would make an effective contribution to meeting the key twin objectives of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increasing resource efficiency and in respect of Wales, of decreasing the ecological footprint associated with waste.

This is a first stage consultation on the options under consideration for restricting wastes from landfill.  It is intended to be a high-level consultation to identify preferred option(s) which could be taken forward if desirable, practical and affordable. If Government decides change is desirable a second stage consultation will follow containing further detail on the preferred option(s) and the way any restriction or requirement would be introduced and who the onus would fall upon and accompanied by draft Regulations to implement these option(s).

The following options for introducing new policy measures to restrict biodegradable and recyclable wastes from landfill in England and Wales are outlined in the consultation document:

• Do nothing

• Introduce landfill bans either a) on their own or b) accompanied by a requirement to sort

• Introduce a sorting or tougher pre-treatment requirement but without a landfill ban
• Introduce producer responsibility systems linked to recycling targets

Views are requested on a number of consultation questions on options for restrictions on landfilling certain wastes.

The consultation is aimed at waste producers and in particular those disposing of waste to landfill, operators of waste  recycling/recovery/disposal facilities including landfill sites and companies interested in using bio-based waste as a source of renewable energy (heat, electricity and /or transport fuel), waste management companies and local authorities including those collecting or transporting waste, Trade Associations, Environmental interest groups, Consumer interest groups and members of the public.