9 August 2006
A new initiative to encourage the waste management industry including, landfill and waste treatment plant operators, to improve their environmental performance, has been launched by Environment Agency.
The Agency considers that the waste management sector has environmental as well as wider impacts which are addressed in the plan. It identifies ten objectives for the industry and for the Environment Agency, for the next five years. It also explains how the sector is performing environmentally and establishes main areas for improvement. Some of the objectives included are voluntary and others are part of existing regulations and it is intended that they will be reviewed annually to chart the progress being made in the waste sector.
Sector plans for the cement, chemical and nuclear industries have already been established by the Agency and apart from waste management, six more plans are currently under development (electricity generation, food and drink manufacture, water companies, dairy farming, retail and construction). Sector plans are a joint venture between the Environment Agency and bodies with each industry sector and cover between five and 15 years.
Liz Parkes, Head of Waste Regulation, at the Environment Agency said: "The Waste Management Sector Plan has been developed by the Environment Agency with the Environmental Services Association, the largest trade body in the sector. This Plan shows how we are working in partnership with the waste management industry in England and Wales to help look after the environment and achieve a greener business world.”
She continued, "Although the sector itself does not have a huge negative impact on the environment, there are still a number of incidents that occur when handling waste. A key part of this plan is to take measures to reduce such incidents and their effects on the environment. Also the plan aims to tackle the increasing number of illegal operators who undermine the legitimate waste management sector."
The ten objectives pinpointed in the plan are:
§ lessen the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
§ reduce the consumption of raw materials by promoting the use of waste as a resource
§ improve and protect the environment by working to reduce number of pollution incidents
§ take steps to tackle waste crime and illegal operators
§ improve data on waste production and management
§ enhance natural habitats around waste management sites
§ work to risk based regulatory and environmental management systems
§ improve relationships between the Environment Agency, industry and the wider community
§ ensure there is a sustainable and competent waste management industry and regulator
§ improve health and safety by reducing accidents and injuries
ESA Chief Executive, Dirk Hazell said, "ESA has led private sector debate in Britain and in Europe on modernisation of environmental regulation because our industry appreciates how good regulation can align economic and environmental sustainability. Our Members have made impressive improvements in environmental performance going well beyond the requirements of the law. This Sector Plan helps to sustain improvement by offering shared understanding of what is to be achieved and structure for delivery."