Waste Implementation Programme: Waste Minimisation
Actions to stem the growth of household waste are urgently needed to help the UK meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive and move towards more sustainable waste management.
A targeted national home composting programme, run with selected local authorities and community groups. Up to 250k home compost bins will be delivered to individual households to test types of bin, marketing initiatives and communication support mechanisms. Full evaluation of all schemes will take place, emphasising standardisation of measurement in determining waste diversion rates.
Development of re-useable nappy services, with a programme of support for small and medium-sized businesses and start-up support for nappy laundering services. An initial focus on major urban areas is proposed, linked to local economic development and neighbourhood renewal initiatives. Support for Real Nappy Week in March 2004 has been confirmed.
A major retailers initiative, seeking to work with the top five supermarket chains - both challenging them and supporting them to play their part in the key objective set for reduction of growth of household waste.
A waste minimisation innovation fund will be developed in year one, with a major rollout in year two with the objective of providing resources to support innovation by retailers and others - in areas such as minimising material use in consumer products, design for minimum material use and maximum recyclability.
For more information see www.wrap.org.uk
International waste minimisation initiatives - Defra commissioned Enviros Consulting to look at the waste minimisation initiatives in other countries. Enviros published its report International waste prevention and reduction practice in October 2004. Please note that although this report was produced for Defra, it is only for information and does not reflect Government policy. N.B. The copyright in this report belongs to Enviros Consulting Ltd.
(358 KB)Page last modified:
1 April 2005
Page published: 5 February 2003