MoreThanWaste.com - SEPA launches “Better waste regulation” consultation (02/04/2007)

"We have already improved and refined the existing regulatory regime, but we are aware that the complex nature of some of the legislation is a note of frustration for sections of the waste industry. This consultation seeks views on how the existing system could be simplified, whilst retaining the high levels of protection within the current legislative and regulatory system"

RossFinnie, Scottish Environment Minister

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Scottish Executive have launched a consultation exercise. The aim is to find out how the current regulations governing waste management could be improved.

The initiative, Better Regulation of Waste, aims to determine if existing guidelines are effective and support Scotland’s commitment to increase recycling rates and reduce the reliance on landfill.

The consultation will be over a three-month period during which industry representatives and interest groups will be invited to give their views on the current regulatory framework.

The Scottish Executive is responsible for all aspects of waste law and regulations in Scotland, other than green taxes, product specifications, and imports and exports of waste into and out of the UK.

SEPA is the Scottish environmental regulator and implements all waste regulations, and provides technical and practical advice contributing to the development of policy and legislation.

According to SEPA, feedback from the waste management industry and local authorities indicates that “there is much to commend about the Scottish Executive and SEPA’s approach to waste management regulation within the UK context”.

However, it is also evident that the “complexity, costs and bureaucracy” associated with waste management licensing are a common bugbear.

The Scottish Executive and SEPA are seeking views on the current legislative and regulatory system, in order to capitalise on work already undertaken and to improve the regime and its practical application.

Comments

Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:

“Controlling the way we deal with waste is an essential to protect human health and the environment. Regulatory controls on how we handle and dispose of waste are necessary, but to be fully effective they must be clear and concise.

SEPA Chief Executive Campbell Gemmell said:

“Waste regulation has played an important role in managing and improving Scotland's environment for many years. However, there is recognition by both regulators and regulated industries that some elements have become overly fragmented and complicated, leading to a growing sense of frustration.

“The Better Waste Regulation initiative will contribute significantly to SEPA's regulatory system meeting increasing challenges, and making a positive contribution to sustainable development.

“By carrying out a full critical review of our current waste regulatory instruments and systems we can identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to modernise and streamline, targeting SEPA's resources towards areas of greatest priority.

“Success will depend heavily on the active involvement of all those with a stake in the waste management industry, so I would urge them to take part in this consultation.

“I would also stress that this will not be a one-off communication, we view this as forming part of the foundations of a longer and enduring process of partnership with the waste management industry. This will result in an efficient and effective system for waste regulation through a shared commitment to deliver a safe, healthy and profitable Scotland for both present and future generations to enjoy.”

Deadline and further information

The public consultation closes on 22 June 2007.

Further information and the consultation document can be found on the SEPA web site.


	SEPA launches “Better waste regulation” consultation (02/04/2007) "We have already improved and refined the existing regulatory regime, but we are aware that the complex nature of some of the legislation is a note of frustration for sections of the waste industry. This consultation seeks views on how the existing system could be simplified, whilst retaining the high levels of protection within the current legislative and regulatory system" RossFinnie, Scottish Environment Minister The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Scottish Executive have launched a consultation exercise. The aim is to find out how the current regulations governing waste management could be improved. The initiative, Better Regulation of Waste, aims to determine if existing guidelines are effective and support Scotland’s commitment to increase recycling rates and reduce the reliance on landfill. The consultation will be over a three-month period during which industry representatives and interest groups will be invited to give their views on the current regulatory framework. The Scottish Executive is responsible for all aspects of waste law and regulations in Scotland, other than green taxes, product specifications, and imports and exports of waste into and out of the UK. SEPA is the Scottish environmental regulator and implements all waste regulations, and provides technical and practical advice contributing to the development of policy and legislation. According to SEPA, feedback from the waste management industry and local authorities indicates that “there is much to commend about the Scottish Executive and SEPA’s approach to waste management regulation within the UK context”. However, it is also evident that the “complexity, costs and bureaucracy” associated with waste management licensing are a common bugbear. The Scottish Executive and SEPA are seeking views on the current legislative and regulatory system, in order to capitalise on work already undertaken and to improve the regime and its practical application. Comments Environment Minister Ross Finnie said: “Controlling the way we deal with waste is an essential to protect human health and the environment. Regulatory controls on how we handle and dispose of waste are necessary, but to be fully effective they must be clear and concise. "We have already improved and refined the existing regulatory regime, but we are aware that the complex nature of some of the legislation is a note of frustration for sections of the waste industry. This consultation seeks views on how the existing system could be simplified, whilst retaining the high levels of protection within the current legislative and regulatory system.” SEPA Chief Executive Campbell Gemmell said: “Waste regulation has played an important role in managing and improving Scotland's environment for many years. However, there is recognition by both regulators and regulated industries that some elements have become overly fragmented and complicated, leading to a growing sense of frustration. “The Better Waste Regulation initiative will contribute significantly to SEPA's regulatory system meeting increasing challenges, and making a positive contribution to sustainable development. “By carrying out a full critical review of our current waste regulatory instruments and systems we can identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to modernise and streamline, targeting SEPA's resources towards areas of greatest priority. “Success will depend heavily on the active involvement of all those with a stake in the waste management industry, so I would urge them to take part in this consultation. “I would also stress that this will not be a one-off communication, we view this as forming part of the foundations of a longer and enduring process of partnership with the waste management industry. This will result in an efficient and effective system for waste regulation through a shared commitment to deliver a safe, healthy and profitable Scotland for both present and future generations to enjoy.” Deadline and further information The public consultation closes on 22 June 2007. Further information and the consultation document can be found on the SEPA web site.