New technologies
Following on from Number 10’s Strategy Unit’s review of progress towards delivering the National Waste Strategy 2000, Defra launched the Waste Implementation Programme (WIP).
This programme aims to divert increasing volumes of BMW away from Landfill by moving the treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy towards sustainable waste management practices.
WIP has five Defra-led, and three WRAP-led work streams. One of the Defra work streams is on new technologies.
The new technologies work stream focuses on the biodegradable element of municipal waste. It aims to overcome the barriers to the successful development and take-up of proven and near market waste technologies by providing a comprehensive package of support to local authorities and their stakeholders.
Supporter programme
The Supporter programme provides impartial information, advice and training to local authorities on a variety of aspects related to new and emerging waste management technologies. Some of the services on offer include a 3 day training course; member and officer briefing sessions; study tours to see new technologies operating in the EU and up- to-date literature on new technologies and their key issues.
The waste technologies data centre
The waste technology data centre was set up to provide up to date information and advice on specific waste technologies covering regulation, authorisation, performance, costs and overall environmental value. There are currently over 30 case studies on a variety of technology providers. You can locate the data centre at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wtd
Education and training programme
The education and training programme was designed to promote a change of culture within the UK waste management industry. It provides an opportunity for those working in the waste industry to gain formal qualifications in sustainable waste management and new waste management technologies. A Masters level module and two vocationally related qualifications are currently available. For more information see the training webpages.
Technology, Research and Innovation Fund
The Technology Research & Innovation Fund (TRIF) was set up to provide funding for R&D projects into innovative new technologies which will help England’s obligations to reduce the amount of BMW going to landfill. For more information see the Technology, research and innovation fund webpages
Demonstrator programme
The demonstrator programme was set up to provide £30 million of assistance to set up new waste treatment technology demonstration projects. The programme is intended to overcome the possible risks of introducing alternative technologies in England through the provision of accurate and impartial technical, environmental and economic information to key decision makers in local authorities and the waste industry in general. For more information see the Demonstrator programme webpages.
Waste technologies advisory committee
A new technologies advisory committee has been set up to engage with all the major stakeholders in the waste management sector. Bringing together representatives from the public, private, community, NGO and financial sectors, the aim of the consultation exercise was to help shape the focus and delivery of the two funding programmes. As well as discussing which technologies can be classed as ‘new’, delegates were asked to discuss and rank the criteria by which applications for funding should be selected. For more information see the waste technologies advisory commitee webpages.
Page last modified: 25 October 2006
Page published: 1 April 2005