Recycling industry releases manifesto for next Government

A Resource Management and Circular Economy Act, a ban on biodegradable waste to landfill, and a statutory duty on businesses to collect and submit data on waste all form part of a new manifesto for the next UK Government released by the recycling industry today (1 April).


The Manifesto for Resources 2015, devised by the Resource Association, also adds weight to the campaign for the establishment of an Office for Resource Management to oversee the UK’s waste and resource policy throughout the next Government and beyond.

“There have been growing demands across our industry for stronger leadership and fresh momentum in policy development in resources management,” said Resource Association chief executive Ray Georgeson. “Our Manifesto for Resources 2015 is a significant shopping list of policy measures, but it reflects the need and depth with which policy in this area needs review and rejuvenation.”

Call for Action

The manifesto particularly focuses on waste collection as an area that requires fresh direction. It calls for the introduction of a requirement for businesses to separately collect key recyclables and food waste from their premises, and a complete ban on the collection of glass co-mingled with other recyclates.

It also calls for local authorities to be obliged to publish an End Destination Register for Waste and Recyclate, and provide food waste collections to every household by 2020.

The industry would also like to see a new Resources Industry Infrastructure Action Plan that refreshes the remit of WRAP and increases recycling targets for the UK.

Better Resource

This is an important year for waste regulation across Europe, with a country-specific circular economy package due to be released later this year.

Georgeson added: “As an indicator of what may be needed if we are to meet the challenge and potential of the circular economy and develop the jobs, growth and better resource use we know our industry can deliver, it is a call to action for future Members of Parliament and the incoming Government, regardless of its political colours and complexity.

“We challenge them all to be bold and seize the prize of resources, jobs and growth in a circular economy.”

Calls For a Dedicated Body

Calls for office for resource management have come from several quarters in recent weeks, culminating in a paper being launched in parliament this month with the support of the All Party Sustainable Resource Group (APSRG).

Labour and Lib Dem MP’s suggested at the launch that the creation of a dedicated body to oversee the UK’s waste policy would be part of their manifestos for the upcoming General Election. 

Lucinda Dann

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