Waste plant guide aims to cut public opposition

Local authorities and builders are being encouraged to construct waste facilities that will win the approval of local people through new guidance published by Government.


Defra teamed up with the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) to produce the guide, in a bid to cut public opposition to much-needed waste infrastructure.

It covers various types of waste facilities, from community compost units on estates to large Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facilities.

The guide sets out design ideas and how the public should best be consulted about proposed waste facilities.

But ministers emphasised local authorities will still make the final decision about waste facilities.

Environment Minister Jane Kennedy said: “We are committed to making a big effort to reduce waste and improve our recycling ability.

“To do that Britain needs new infrastructure for the better management of waste.

“New infrastructure will only be built if local communities are happy and this means the best possible design must be applied to win that all important public endorsement.”

Experts from bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM), the Environmental Services Association and WRAP have been involved in drawing up the guidance.

The guide can be found here.

Kate Martin

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