Concerns grow over implications of Defra’s ‘weak’ Waste Review

Initial reaction to the Defra document, when it was released in June, was scathing and this frustration continues, according to a recent snapshot survey commissioned by two leading waste figures, Dr Jane Beasley and Ray Georgeson.

The survey found that over 80% of respondents viewed the review as ‘not at all’ or ‘not very’ ambitious and over half expressed concern about the value of the document as a foundation for the forthcoming Waste Management Plan in 2012.

Respondents included CEOs and leaders of major waste and recycling companies, trade bodies, equipment providers, senior figures from local government, the third sector, NGOs and professional service providers.

Commenting on the findings, Ray Georgeson, director of RGR, said: “Waste and resources industry leaders may have spent their summer holidays reading it properly on the beach, but their reaction to the Defra Waste Review has not improved since the initial reactions when it was launched in June.”

Dr Jane Beasley, director of Beasley Associates, added: “It is notable that the review appears to have disappointed so many across all sectors. It seems to have displeased almost everyone for different reasons and we hope that ministers and officials will take stock.”

The report can be viewed here

Maxine Perella