Waste Strategy (Hansard, 30 June 1999)

§ Mr. Meacher

Consultation responses to "Less Waste: More Value" last year were overwhelmingly supportive of the vision set out in that document which we have now developed into a blueprint for a more sustainable, integrated waste management system for England and Wales.

This blueprint is described in "A Way with Waste: A Draft Waste Strategy for England and Wales" which is published today for further public consultation. "A Way with Waste" makes clear that a step change is needed in the way we think about and manage our waste which applies equally to municipal and industrial waste. We need substantial increases to both recycling and energy recovery if we are to meet the challenges of sustainable development and of the European Directive on the landfilling of waste's stringent targets for diverting waste from landfill.

We have therefore set two goals by 2010 of recovering 45 per cent. of municipal waste (by recycling, composting and incineration with energy or heat recovery) and of recycling or composting 30 per cent. of household waste. To do this we must meet, as soon as possible, the existing targets of 40 per cent. recovery and 25 per cent. recycling or composting. We aim to do this by 2005. Beyond 2010 we must do more. By 2015 we expect to recover value from two thirds of household waste, half of this by recycling or composting.

We need to develop stronger markets for recyclate. The Government set up a Market Development Group to look at this and its report and recommendations are published for comment today alongside the draft strategy. Some of its recommendations are for Government and we will be addressing them with vigour, seeking further views as necessary. Some are for other bodies whom the Government calls on to address these proposals with same degree of energy.

It will of course be for the National Assembly for Wales to decide how to take forward this draft strategy, and the responses to the consultation on it, to produce a final strategy for Wales.