The Environmental Services Association (ESA) has called on Defra to develop a distinct 25 Year Plan for resources and waste, following Michael Gove’s recent speech about UK environment policy post Brexit.
Mr Gove confirmed legislation will be introduced this year to ban the sale and manufacture of microbeads.
He said: “We will explore new methods of reducing the amount of plastic – in particular plastic bottles – entering our seas, improve incentives for reducing waste and litter, and review the penalties available to deal with polluters – all part of a renewed strategy on waste and resources that looks ahead to opportunities outside the EU.”
Mr Gove also made the announcement that a Clean Growth Plan is due to be published in the Autumn. This will include whathe calls “ambitious policies” with reagrd to clean techonlogy and the curclar economy.
“The ESA sees an urgent need for a waste and resources strategy from government to address the looming treatment capacity gap: the industry thinks that by 2030 we will end up around 5 million tonnes p.a. short of treatment infrastructure as 80% of landfill capacity is expected to close by then.”
ESA Chairman, Dr. Stewart Davies, commented: “I was most encouraged that the Secretary of State’s speech last Thursday (21 July) referred to a “renewed strategy on waste and resources that looks ahead to opportunities outside the EU.
“ESA looks for this to be taken forward now and for Defra to demonstrate focus and urgency in championing the waste and resource management sector, for which it is the Whitehall sponsor.
“The ESA sees an urgent need for a waste and resources strategy from government to address the looming treatment capacity gap: the industry thinks that by 2030 we will end up around 5 million tonnes p.a. short of treatment infrastructure as 80% of landfill capacity is expected to close by then.
“A waste and resources strategy is also needed so that Defra can align other government initiatives (Industrial Strategy; National Infrastructure Assessment; Clean Growth Plan) involving the sector that are already taking shape.
“ESA looks forward to engaging with Defra and would commit the necessary time and expert resource to work with the department to develop a 25 year Waste and Resources Plan in parallel with the 25 year Environment Plan already in preparation.”
