Wednesday 3rd March 2011 - No Embargo
CRR Points to Material Quality as Best Way to Make Savings
The CRR today calls for local authorities to embrace the spirit of the revised Framework Directive, pointing to studies by WRAP and WAG which show that kerbside sort systems make greater economic sense and a Friends of the Earth report regarding jobs in recycling. The CRR has previously informed Defra that it will seek a judicial review of the inclusion of comingling in the transposition of the European Waste Framework Directive.
Mal Williams, Chair of CRR said: “The purpose of a judicial review will be to achieve a correct interpretation of the revised Waste Framework Directive. Material quality through separation will prove the best option for councils, their taxpayers and for UK jobs in recycling, particularly as the price of oil and quality secondary commodities continues to rise. Talk of a judicial review setting UK recycling back is a nonsense. We need this welcome correction from Europe to set a course for higher diversion and more green jobs from collection and UK reprocessing.
“The capital costs of change to kerbside sort are very modest compared with compactor vehicles for comingling and the building of MRFs. Collection contractors prioritising quality should easily be able to factor such small capital outlay into a per household or tonnage price to the local authority. We urge local authorities to look again at the figures. They really should perceive a correct implementation of the rWFD as an opportunity rather than a threat.
“Separation of dry recyclables at kerbside is technically, economically
and environmentally practicable for any local authority. There will be five years to make changes if needed. In the meanwhile authorities should simply be careful how they invest their money, which they will surely be doing anyway in these times of public sector cutbacks. Ministers will no doubt investigate the best way to assist local authorities who find themselves needing to make the switch.”
Information for Editors:
1. The Campaign for Real Recycling wants central government and local authorities to act urgently to improve the quality of materials collected for recycling in the UK. Real recycling is about maximising the economic, environmental and social benefits of recycling for everyone, from the local council tax payer to the global reprocessing industry. Our concern is that collection systems that gather a range of different materials in one bag or bin and then compact them could permanently undermine the environmental and financial benefits of recycling. Our campaign aims to influence local authority policy and practice, and build consensus within the UK of the economic and environmental importance of highly-separated collections.
2. Campaign for Real Recycling supporters:
Andy Moore
Campaign for Real Recycling
07767 206 001
|
