Waste and Resources Evidence Programme (WREP)
Defra established its Waste and Resources Research Programme in 2003
in response to recommendations made in the Waste
Not, Want Not report
prepared by the Prime Minister’s Strategy
Unit (2002). The programme aimed to take a strategic overview
of the overall waste and resources research needs of the UK as a whole. The
programme is now known as the Waste and Resources Evidence Programme (WREP)
to reflect the growing recognition of the key role of research in evidence-based
policy making.
WREP's overall aim is to deliver a robust sustainable waste and resources management evidence base for informed policy development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, which incorporates an effective mechanism for assembling, analysing and communicating outputs.
Waste and Resources Evidence Strategy 2007-2011
The Waste and Resources R&D Strategy 2004/05 - 2006/07 guided the programme for its first three years. The programme now has a renewed framework for delivering a robust evidence base that is articulated in the Waste and Resources Evidence Strategy 2007-2011. This summarises areas of evidence and research over the next three year period. Key thematic areas for the new programme are: understanding economics and incentives, effective regulation, increasing resource efficiency, stimulating investment in waste collection and treatment, promoting shared responsibilities and assembling, modelling and interpreting evidence.
- Waste and Resources Evidence Strategy 2007-2011 (PDF 250 KB) and news release
- Emerging research priorities: workshop report (June 2007)
Advisory group
WREP is advised by the Waste and Resources Research Advisory Group. The Waste Evidence Branch manages the programme.
Projects
WREP is currently funded under the Waste Implementation Programme and forms part of the Department’s investment in science. There are approximately 85 projects, covering both the physical and social sciences, focusing on: waste prevention, behaviour change, making existing landfill more sustainable, textile recycling, environmental impacts of waste management, data gathering and analysis, resource flows, economics, modelling and scenario development and third sector involvement in waste management.
- Waste and Resources Evidence Programme funded projects current list - see UK funded waste and resources research & development 2007, Annex 2
- Defra's research project databse
The programme is supporting the development of a web based evidence portal for waste and resources research.
Further information
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Page last modified: 8 May 2008
Page published: 5 February 2003