Regional waste consultation for Wales

Statutory targets set for waste disposal mean that there is an urgent need for new waste facilities in Wales to treat residual waste (the rubbish left after recycling and composting has taken place). The Welsh Assembly Government firmly believes that the people of Wales should be involved in developing the future waste management services for the country. As a result the Regional Waste Groups (of North, South East and South West Wales) have launched a ten week consultation period, starting this week, which is actively seeking the views of the people of Wales.

The first review of the 2004 Regional Waste Plans is currently underway and this new consultation period will give everyone the chance to become involved in decisions regarding the waste technology options that are viable and the identification of suitable locations to site them. 

A Consultation Document which provides background information and details the options has been drawn up for each of the three regions.  It includes a survey which the public is invited to complete.  The consultation exercise also includes the organisation of community group meetings which will be held across the regions, public focus groups and strategic stakeholder meetings so that people can have their say. 

Following the consultation period, all information received will be analysed and the three regions of Wales will work together to produce revised and updated Regional Waste Plans by March 2008.  The key aims of these plans will be to identify the most appropriate new approaches for managing waste within each region.  This will include new recycling, composting and residual waste treatment facilities.

Adam Read, Professor of Waste Management, says, "I welcome this opportunity to launch this timely consultation period of the three regional waste plans which is a defining moment in the development of sustainable waste management in Wales. 

"To date householders have all played their part in raising recycling to an all time high of 27%.  But now we, as residents and businesses, need to look beyond recycling to the residual waste that we all produce (our black bag rubbish) and treat this in a more beneficial way for our environment, communities and economy.  This consultation over the next 10 weeks offers us all the opportunity to understand the issues and comment on what we think is the right thing to do in terms of new facilities, technology choices and how we select sites for these essential facilities.  I urge you all to take part and have your say."

In the past Wales has relied on landfill for the disposal of its waste from households, commerce and industry.  Much of this waste is capable of being re-used, recycled, composted or treated to recover valuable materials and energy.  There are statutory targets in place at EU, UK and Welsh Government level that require all local authorities to divert increasing amounts of waste from landfill.  Therefore in future it will no longer be acceptable for Wales to rely on this method for its waste management.

The 22 Welsh Local Authorities are faced with a challenging target to achieve 40% recycling and composting of household waste by 2010.  Tough targets have also been set for construction and demolition waste, such as reusing or recycling 85% of waste produced by 2010, and for industrial and commercial waste of which 80% of that landfilled in 1998 must be diverted by 2010.  The key drivers behind these targets are the EU Landfill Directive, the Landfill Allowances Scheme (LAS) Wales (2004) and the Welsh Waste Strategy, Wise About Waste (2002). 

The next three to four years will be critical in determining whether Wales establishes the necessary infrastructure in time to meet EU, UK and Welsh specific targets and provide the necessary alternatives to landfill. 

The people of Wales are invited to access further information about the options and complete the consultation survey.  Detailed information and the survey form can be found by:

Visiting:          www.ourwasteourchallenge.org  
                     www.walesregionalwasteplans.gov.uk                        

Calling:           02920 925202

Emailing:        ourwasteourchallenge@hyderconsulting.com

Writing: FREEPOST RRRG-ALYJ-BRAK, Hyder Consulting (OUR WASTE OUR CHALLENGE) , Cardiff, CF3 0EY

For further press information or to set up an interview please contact: Babita Wakelin or Jane Nuthall at the Hyder Consulting Press Office on 07975 819210