The Government have now released their long awaited Review of Waste Policy in England 2011, it is a long read and at 77 pages, I would be lying if I suggested I had read it all.
Unfortunately, there is nothing too exciting to report, which is disappointing considering the coalition claims to be the ‘greenest government ever’. In our opinion a zero waste future (or economy as the government prefers to brand it) is still some way off.
Clearly the document main focus appears to be an attempt to review existing options, building on previous strategies rather than creating significant and real change, to the way we as a society manage our waste. However there are potential opportunities and aspirations within the review for organisations like Cornwall Waste Action.
Interestingly Section 35 of the review suggests “The Coalition Government wants to empower local communities as part of a power shift away from central Government, reinvigorating local democracy, understanding, accountability, and participation. We want to ensure that the barriers to participation are removed and that community and civil society engagement – the Big Society – can occur unhindered. Waste and resource use is a key area where we can find some of the best initiatives to build on, such as the role charity sector organisations often play in ensuring clothing or bulky items like furniture are reused rather than thrown away.”
Therefore for those of us working in the community waste sector, it’s nice to know we have at least been recognised for our role in enabling sustainable resource use. There is in fact a whole section on ‘Involvement of Civil Society’, which although providing additional references to the governments ‘big society’ agenda, illustrates the need for a greater role for the sector. Interestingly section 165 states ” Along with the actions that individuals can take to improve waste management, we see a growing role for civil society organisations to build upon the often excellent work that is underway already, leading the way in many aspects of waste management that we now take for granted.”
Whilst section 169 claims “We encourage civil society and community groups to continue to work with local communities as well as with government. Parts of civil society are well placed to work with communities on a wide range of waste issues, including: helping to educate people about how to reduce waste and manage it more effectively, Including through participating in wider campaigns on waste; developing networks Around particular locations or services; facilitating volunteering; and working with Communities to increase their participation in local decision-making on waste issues growing role for civil society organisations.”
Composting and the work of the sector is further highlighted, section 170 suggests “One example of community action is composting. All over the country, communities are turning their food and garden waste into compost.” Furthermore in section 172 it is noted: “Community composting can be good for the local environment, economy, and even help improve the social fabric of a neighbourhood. The Government continues to support and encourage community composting.”
Whist still digesting the review, Cornwall Waste Action, is concerned that the government addresses the issue of greater civil society involvement, through financial arrangements rather than words, otherwise the hope of greater collaboration will not materialise. We note the creation of the Household Reward and Recognition Fund for Recycling and Reuse, which is a start, but greater commitment is required.
Within the review there are some good considerations, if acted upon and supported by politicians, rather than ignored and forgotten. We therefore await with anticipation, for Ms Spelman and her colleagues to drive forward their agenda for a ‘zero waste economy’ with enthusiasm and commitment to waste reduction.
It is also interesting to note that although weekly bin collections was a hot topic with tabloid newspapers and part of Communities Secretary populist agenda, thankfully Mr Pickles claim “It’s a basic right for every Englishman and woman to be able to put the remnants of their chicken tikka masala in their bin without having to wait two weeks for it to be collected.” Has been binned, as the review has not supported weekly bins collection being made compulsory!
Guy Doncaster
To download the review please click here
