§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent action the Government have taken to minimise waste in the UK; and if she will make a statement. [13880]
§ Mr. MeacherTackling the amount of waste produced is the first priority in the hierarchy for waste management decisions set out in the Government's Waste Strategy 2000. Action already taken aimed at encouraging waste minimisation includes Government support for the National Waste Awareness Initiative and guidance to local authorities on their powers under the Waste Minimisation Act 1998.
The Government have implemented the Packaging Directive and a voluntary agreement on newsprint. Further legislation on electrical and electronic equipment and batteries will follow, and a voluntary agreement on direct mail. These are all designed to reduce the amount of waste arising from these products.
The Envirowise programme, jointly funded by DTI and DEFRA, supports policy objectives to reduce waste and increase efforts to reduce waste at source (eg by more efficient use of raw materials) through advice to businesses.