Waste legislation and licensing
Household Waste Recycling Act
1. Guidance on the Household Waste Recycling Act
Defra has published guidance for Waste Collection Authorities on the implementation of the Household Waste Recycling Act 2003.
- Guidance on the Household Waste Recycling Act (PDF 70 KB)
The new guidance, which follows a consultation in 2004, has been issued to help WCAs take any necessary steps to comply with the Act, while respecting their freedom to choose the best way of doing so.
The Household Waste Recycling Act 2003 requires all English waste collection authorities to collect at least two types of recyclable waste from all households in their area, which could include batteries, garden waste, glass, hazardous household liquids (i.e. paint and varnish), kitchen waste, metals, paper, plastics, textiles and shoes, electrical or electronic waste (e-waste) and wood.
The aim of the Household Waste Recycling Act was to increase the household waste recycling rate in England, which in 2003 stood at less than 15%. Even though waste collection authorities do not have to comply with the Act until 31 December 2010, 90% of households in England are already receiving a kerbside collection of at least two recyclable materials.
The Household Waste Recycling Act has contributed to the considerable increase in local authority recycling of household waste, the country as a whole achieved 30.9% in 2006/07, a doubling of the rate in the four years since the Household Waste Recycling Act was passed.
As well as addressing a number of issues raised during the consultation, the guidance highlights good practice and other sources of information and support that Waste Collection Authorities may find helpful when formulating waste management strategies whilst addressing other statutory requirements such as health and safety.
An analysis of the consultation was also published.
Should you wish to comment, please email waste.strategy@defra.gsi.gov.uk or write to Waste Strategy Division, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6DE.
2. Background
The Bill received Royal Assent on 30 October 2003.
It was formerly entitled the Municipal Waste Recycling Bill and was a Private Members Bill introduced by Joan Ruddock, Labour MP for Lewisham Deptford, who is now amongst other things, the Minister responsible for waste.
A copy of the Act can be obtained from www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030029.htm.
5 July 2004: Consultation on the draft guidance for the Household Waste Recycling Act 2003
3. Regulatory Impact Assessment
In accordance with standard procedures a Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment (this version, in respect of the current Bill, and last updated 15 July 2003) has been preparedPDF (40 KB).
Further information is available on our Help page about downloading or reading Adobe Acrobat PDF documents.
Page last modified:
8 February2008
Page published: 5 February 2003