Key objectives of the policy include the integration of waste minimisation into the Agency’s regulation of industry, including the Agency’s approach under the forthcoming Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regime. It also plans to target its waste minimisation work on industry sectors which are likely to yield the greatest benefits.
Guidance will be developed for Agency staff to help them prioritise waste minimisation work and research on waste prevention and minimisation techniques will be initiated.
The Agency’s director of Environmental Protection, Dr Paul Leinster, said: “Waste minimisation is an important tool for industry since it delivers cost-effective environmental protection. As part of our approach to regulation, the Agency will be working with industry to encourage the adoption of waste minimisation techniques. In particular, operations which will be regulated under IPPC will be expected to show that the application of such techniques is an integral part of site management.
“We are also committed to developing and supporting new initiatives to achieve waste minimisation. This can range from partnerships with waste minimisation clubs to campaigns focused on particular industries or educational projects.”
“In the longer term it is our hope that waste minimisation becomes an integral part of business practice and planning across England and Wales.”
Copies of the policy are available from Jon Foreman, EA, Environmental Protection National Service tel: 0117 914 2779 fax: 0117 914 2770.